title: Increasing compression depth during manikin CPR using a simple backboard.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The quality of external chest compressions (ECC) is influenced by the surface supporting the patient. The aim of this study was to compare chest compression depth with and without a rigid backboard. The authors hypothesized that the presence of a backboard would result in an increased depth of chest compressions.
  
  
  METHODS
  A randomized, double-blinded, cross-over trial. We simulated in-hospital cardiac arrest using a resuscitation manikin placed in a standard hospital bed. In total, 23 hospital orderlies were randomly assigned to perform ECC for 2 min on two identical ResusciAnne manikins, under one of which a rigid backboard had been placed. Data were recorded using the Laerdal PC-Skill Reporting System.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean chest compression depth increased from 43 to 48 mm (P < 0.0001) when a backboard was present (mean difference 5 mm, 95% CI 3.6-7.5 mm, SD 4.6). There was a significant increase in mean proportion of compressions >40 mm when using a backboard Mean 92% vs. 69%, P= 0.0007). No difference was found between the two groups in the following variables: duty cycle, compression rate, mean proportion of compressions of correct depth (40-50 mm) or proportion of compressions with incomplete release.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Applying a backboard significantly increases depth of chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation when performed on a manikin model.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesia, Center of Head and Orthopaedics, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark. lasse.oestergaard.andersen@hvh.regionh.dk
authors.forename: L Ø
authors.initials: LØ
authors.lastname: Andersen
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Isbye
authors.forename: L S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Rasmussen
mesh_terms: D016887:Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation / Q000379:methods*; D019245:Compressive Strength; D003326:Coronary Circulation; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D006336:Heart Massage; D006801:Humans; D008348:Manikins; D008905:Minicomputers; D010564:Personnel, Hospital; D011187:Posture