Quality of closed chest compression in ambulance vehicles, flying helicopters and at the scene.
BACKGROUND
Transport of patients during resuscitation is a critical procedure. In both, ambulances and helicopters the quality of resuscitation is potentially hampered due to the movement of the vehicle and confined space. To date, however, no direct comparison of the quality of resuscitation at the scene, during a helicopter flight and in a moving ambulance has been made.


OBJECTIVE
Direct comparison of the quality of resuscitation at the scene, during a helicopter flight and in a moving ambulance.


METHODS
The study was performed in July 2005 as a randomised cross-over trial comparing different environments for resuscitation.


METHODS
Medical University of Vienna.


METHODS
Eleven European Resuscitation Council (ERC) approved health care professionals.


METHODS
Interventions during resuscitation: (a) in a moving ambulance, (b) in a flying helicopter, were compared to those staying at the (c) scene (control). Each participant performed resuscitation in all three environments.


METHODS
Quality of chest compression during resuscitation.


RESULTS
Compared to resuscitation at the scene, efficiency of chest compressions during a helicopter flight was 86% and 95% in the moving ambulance 95%. There were no differences in secondary outcomes (time without chest compression, total number of incorrect hand position relative to total compressions, and total number of incorrect pressure release relative to total compressions).


CONCLUSIONS
Resuscitation during transport is feasible and relatively efficient. There is some difference between the environments, but there is no relevant difference between helicopters and ambulances regarding the effectiveness of CPR.
Havel
Christof
C
Department of Emergency Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringerguertel 18-20/6D, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
Schreiber
Wolfgang
W
Riedmuller
Eva
E
Haugk
Moritz
M
Richling
Nina
N
Trimmel
Helmut
H
Malzer
Reinhard
R
Sterz
Fritz
F
Herkner
Harald
H
D017732:Air Ambulances; D000552:Ambulances; D016887:Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation / Q000592:standards*; D020378:Confined Spaces; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000628:therapy; D006336:Heart Massage / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D008348:Manikins; D011312:Pressure; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D014187:Transportation of Patients