Optimal chest compression rate in cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a prospective, randomized crossover study using a manikin model

Objectives: When performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the 2010 American Heart Association guidelines recommend a chest compression rate of at least 100 min−1, whereas the 2010 European Resuscitation Council guidelines recommend a rate of between 100 and 120 min−1. The aim of this study was to examine the rate of chest compression that fulfilled various quality indicators, thereby determining the optimal rate of compression. Methods: Thirty-two trainee emergency medical technicians and six paramedics were enrolled in this study. All participants had been trained in basic life support. Each participant performed 2 min of continuous compressions on a skill reporter manikin, while listening to a metronome sound at rates of 100, 120, 140, and 160 beats/min, in a random order. Mean compression depth, incomplete chest recoil, and the proportion of correctly performed chest compressions during the 2 min were measured and recorded. Results: The rate of incomplete chest recoil was lower at compression rates of 100 and 120 min−1 compared with that at 160 min−1 (P=0.001). The numbers of compressions that fulfilled the criteria for high-quality CPR at a rate of 120 min−1 were significantly higher than those at 100 min−1 (P=0.016). Conclusion: The number of high-quality CPR compressions was the highest at a compression rate of 120 min−1, and increased incomplete recoil occurred with increasing compression rate. However, further studies are needed to confirm the results.

from Emergency Medicine via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/29jMNxp