title: New visual feedback device improves performance of chest compressions by professionals in simulated cardiac arrest.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital Aachen, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen University, Germany.
authors.forename: Max
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Skorning
authors.forename: Stefan K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Beckers
authors.forename: Jörg Ch
authors.initials: JCh
authors.lastname: Brokmann
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rörtgen
authors.forename: Sebastian
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bergrath
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Veiser
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Heussen
authors.forename: Rolf
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rossaint
mesh_terms: 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