For how long can two emergency medical technicians perform high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation?

Chu Hyun Kim, Gi Woon Kim, Won Chul Cha, Bo Ra Kang, Han ho Do, Jun Seok Seo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: To determine the duration and obstacles to prolonged on-scene cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and establish how long a pair of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) can provide high-quality CPR. Method: Intermediate-level EMTs in Gyeonggi-do Province, Republic of Korea completed a survey regarding on-scene CPR. EMTs undergoing routine training took part in a simulation using mannequins. Parameters including compression depth, total number and rate of compressions; occurrence of incorrect hand position and incomplete chest recoil were collected over 16 2-min cycles of CPR (32 min total), with EMTs working in pairs. Result: The simulation study included 43 EMTs. The median duration of on-scene CPR was 3.7 min. Fear of decrease in performance was the main obstacle to continued CPR (n = 188/254 [74.0%]). Standards for high-quality CPR were met at each of the 16 steps of the simulation. Compression rate increased significantly with time. There were no significant changes in any other parameter. Conclusion: Pairs of EMTs maintained high-quality CPR for 16 cycles (32 min) with no decrease in performance. Our findings could provide evidence to recommend guidelines for duration of on-scene CPR for cardiac arrest, particularly in countries where the level and number of ambulance crews are limited.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)841-850
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of International Medical Research
Volume43
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Dec 2015

Keywords

  • CPR time
  • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
  • cardiac arrest
  • chest compression
  • performance

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