CPR skills: achievement and retention under stringent and relaxed criteria.

The ability to deliver proper basic cardiac life support was evaluated in 33 health professional students immediately and three months post CPR training, the latter assessment unsuspected. Statistically significant declines were noted in psychomotor skills. Performance using American Heart Association (AHA) standards was compared to performance under "relaxed" criteria. Results imply that current lengths of training sessions, duration of recertification, and application of established AHA standards may require re-evaluation.