Summary
Performance of single or paired rescuers or teams of two using a mechanical resuscitation device on manikis: a comparative cohort study
Affiliation of the authors
DOI
Quote
Fischer H, Stumpf D, Neuhold S, Frantal S, Rützler K, Rinösl H, et al. Performance of single or paired rescuers or teams of two using a mechanical resuscitation device on manikis: a comparative cohort study. Emergencias. 2013;25:278-84
Summary
Purpose: To compare the efficiency of the Animax handpowered mechanical
resuscitation device (MRD) for cardiopulmonary resuscitation during use by a single
rescuer or paired rescuers working on manikins. The basis for comparison was a new
parameter, the effective compression ratio (ECR).
Methods: This was a comparative cohort study of data from prior studies that were
entered into a spreadsheet (Excel) for analysis with a macro. The ECR, which integrates
parameters that are relevant to effective resuscitation, was compared between the 2
cohorts.
Results: Single rescuers achieved a higher mean (SD) ECR (0.57 [0.3] vs 0.32 [0.3] for
the paired rescuers, P < .001) but their ECR declined more rapidly (by 2.2% vs 1.1% per minute, P = .01) and they had less compression depth (41.8 mm [3.7] vs 46.2 mm [6.9 mm] for the paired rescuers, P < .001). The ECR decreased 0.01 (2.3%) per minute in the single-rescuer cohort and 0.004 (1.1%) per minute in the paired-rescuer cohort (P = .01). Conclusions: The Animax mechanical resuscitation device was superior when used by a single rescuer than when used by paired rescuers, based on the integrated ECR parameter. Although the decline in the ECR when the MRD was used by the single rescuers was more pronounced within the first 3 minutes, overall they achieved a higher ECR. Before this MRD is used more widely, clinical studies are needed to test the devices safety and efficacy in patients.
