Purpose: Bystander CPR has demonstrated improved survival of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of CPR education in the rural community. Method: One hundred eighty-nine rural laypersons (105 in the experimental group and 84 in the control group) participated in this study. In the experimental group, questionnaires were completed after participating in a small group BLS (Basic Life Support) course. In the control group questionnaires were collected from two rural health service centers. Data were analysed using $X^2$test, independent t-test and paired t-test. Result: There were significant differences in barriers to performing CPR, attitude and intention toward CPR and necessity recognition between the two groups. Conclusion: The proportion of positive attitudes toward CPR and willingness to perform CPR was higher in the experimental group than the control group. CPR education increased anxiety of being sued because of a bad outcome. For future CPR education for laypersons, the reluctance of bystanders to perform CPR should be reconsidered and CPR education should be extended to the rural community.