New visual feedback device improves performance of chest compressions by professionals in simulated cardiac arrest.
BACKGROUND
Quality of external chest compression (ECC) is a key component of Basic Life Support. Different approaches to improve rescuers' performance have been evaluated, but few attempts have been made to invent simple devices to improve performance. This study evaluates a new visual feedback system for ECC for healthcare professionals.


METHODS
Ninety-three healthcare professionals volunteered (14 emergency medical technicians, 45 paramedics, 34 physicians; age 32+/-7.2 (range 21-61); 72% male) in this randomized cross-over study. All subjects were tested on a manikin (Skillreporter ResusciAnne, Laerdal, Stavanger, Norway) in identical mock cardiac arrest scenario and asked to perform 2 min of continuous ECC (secured airway): Group A (n=46): ECC with device first, followed by ECC without device a minimum of 45 min later; group B (n=47): vice versa. Primary endpoints: mean compression rate 90-120 min(-1); mean compression depth 38-51 mm. Data were analyzed using repeated measure logistic regression model for binary categorized endpoints and repeated measure ANOVA test for continuous endpoints.


RESULTS
Correct compression depth was achieved by 45.2% of subjects (95%-CI: 30.5-64.9 mm) without vs. 73.1% (95%-CI: 40.3-57.4 mm) with device (p<0.001); correct compression rate was achieved by 62.4% (95%-CI: 78-147.8 min(-1)) without vs. 94.6% (95%-CI: 87.3-126.6 min(-1)) with device (p<0.001). Overall, 85% of the subjects thought the feedback system was helpful and 80.6% would use it if available.


CONCLUSIONS
The new visual feedback device significantly improved ECC performance (compression rate and depth) by healthcare professionals in simulated cardiac arrest. Most participants found the device easy to use.
Skorning
Max
M
Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital Aachen, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen University, Germany.
Beckers
Stefan K
SK
Brokmann
Jörg Ch
JCh
Rörtgen
Daniel
D
Bergrath
Sebastian
S
Veiser
Thomas
T
Heussen
Nicole
N
Rossaint
Rolf
R
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016887:Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D056228:Feedback, Sensory; D005260:Female; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008348:Manikins; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies