title: Application of current guidelines for chest compression depth on different surfaces and using feedback devices: a randomized cross-over study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)-guidelines recommend an increased chest compression depth and rate compared to previous guidelines, and the use of automatic feedback devices is encouraged. However, it is unclear whether this compression depth can be maintained at an increased frequency. Moreover, the underlying surface may influence accuracy of feedback devices. We investigated compression depths over time and evaluated the accuracy of a feedback device on different surfaces.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-four volunteers performed four two-minute blocks of CPR targeting at current guideline recommendations on different surfaces (floor, mattress, 2 backboards) on a patient simulator. Participants rested for 2 minutes between blocks. Influences of time and different surfaces on chest compression depth (ANOVA, mean [95% CI]) and accuracy of a feedback device to determine compression depth (Bland-Altman) were assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean compression depth did not reach recommended depth and decreased over time during all blocks (first block: from 42 mm [39-46 mm] to 39 mm [37-42 mm]). A two-minute resting period was insufficient to restore compression depth to baseline. No differences in compression depth were observed on different surfaces. The feedback device slightly underestimated compression depth on the floor (bias -3.9 mm), but markedly overestimated on the mattress (bias +12.6 mm). This overestimation was eliminated after correcting compression depth by a second sensor between manikin and mattress.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Strategies are needed to improve chest compression depth, and more than two providers should alternate with chest compressions. The underlying surface does not necessarily adversely affect CPR performance but influences accuracy of feedback devices. Accuracy is improved by a second, posterior, sensor.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands - p.schober@vumc.nl.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Schober
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Krage
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Lagerburg
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Van Groeningen
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Loer
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Schwarte
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016887:Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D005246:Feedback; D005260:Female; D005430:Floors and Floorcoverings; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011312:Pressure