The capability of professional- and lay-rescuers to estimate the chest compression-depth target: A short, randomized experiment. (April 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: van Tulder, Raphael; Laggner, Roberta; Kienbacher, Calvin; Schmid, Bernhard; Zajicek, Andreas; Haidvogel, Jochen; Sebald, Dieter; Laggner, Anton N.; Herkner, Harald; Sterz, Fritz; Eisenburger, Philip
• Is Part Of: Resuscitation. Volume 89(2015)
• Page Start: 137
• Page End: 141
• Publication Date: 2015-04
• Subjects: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation -- Cardiac arrest -- Chest compression -- Manikin; Resuscitation -- Periodicals; Resuscitation -- Periodicals; Réanimation -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 616.025
• DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2015.01.031
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0300-9572

Abstract

Abstract: Background: In CPR, sufficient compression depth is essential. The American Heart Association ("at least 5 cm", AHA-R) and the European Resuscitation Council ("at least 5 cm, but not to exceed 6 cm", ERC-R) recommendations differ, and both are hardly achieved. This study aims to investigate the effects of differing target depth instructions on compression depth performances of professional and lay-rescuers. Methods: 110 professional-rescuers and 110 lay-rescuers were randomized (1:1, 4 groups) to estimate the AHA-R or ERC-R on a paper sheet (given horizontal axis) using a pencil and to perform chest compressions according to AHA-R or ERC-R on a manikin. Distance estimation and compression depth were the outcome variables. Results: Professional-rescuers estimated the distance according to AHA-R in 19/55 (34.5%) and to ERC-R in 20/55 (36.4%) cases ( p = 0.84). Professional-rescuers achieved correct compression depth according to AHA-R in 39/55 (70.9%) and to ERC-R in 36/55 (65.4%) cases ( p = 0.97). Lay-rescuers estimated the distance correctly according to AHA-R in 18/55 (32.7%) and to ERC-R in 20/55 (36.4%) cases ( p = 0.59). Lay-rescuers yielded correct compression depth according to AHA-R in 39/55 (70.9%) and to ERC-R in 26/55 (47.3%) cases ( p = 0.02). Conclusion: Professional and lay-rescuers have severe difficulties in correctly estimating distance on a sheet of paper. Professional-rescuers are able to yield AHA-R and ERC-R targets likewise. In lay-rescuers AHA-R was associated with significantly higher success rates. The inability to estimate distance could explain the failure to appropriately perform chest compressions. For teaching lay-rescuers, the AHA-R with no upper limit of compression depth might be preferable.