Abstract Body: Background: High-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is crucial for improving the prognosis of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients. The quality of chest compressions may vary during different phases of prehospital care.
Objectives: To investigate changes in chest compression quality during prehospital activities and identify the causes.
Methods: Eleven emergency medical teams of three members each participated. Using a manikin (Laerdal QCPR), we measured achievement rates of compression depth (≥5 cm) and recoil, compression rate, and chest compression fraction (CCF). The process from the scene to the hospital bed was divided into four phases: 1) on-site, 2) transport from the scene to the ambulance (canvas stretcher), 3) in the ambulance, 4) transport from the ambulance to the hospital bed (wheeled stretcher). We analyzed the quality changes in chest compressions and the causes of degradation or interruptions. Each team performed both manual CPR (Man-CPR) and mechanical CPR (Mech-CPR) using the LUCAS3 device. The scenario assumed cardiac arrest on the second floor, transport down stairs to the ambulance, and a 15-minute drive to the hospital. ACLS was established in Phase 1 and continued until hospital arrival. In Mech-CPR, a mechanical CPR device was applied in Phase 1 and used throughout all phases.
Results: Man-CPR showed lower compression depth achievement in Phases 2 and 4 compared to Phases 1 and 3, mainly due to transport transitions (Fig. 1). CCF was high in Phases 1 and 3 but decreased in Phases 2 and 4 due to these transitions. Interruptions in Phases 1 and 3 were due to checking ECG rhythm, securing an airway, and confirming ventilation. Recoil achievement was low across all phases. Mech-CPR showed high achievement rates for compression depth and recoil across all phases and maintained high CCF. However, Man-CPR had a higher CCF in Phase 1 than Mech-CPR due to interruptions for device application. Mech-CPR had no degradation due to dual work, but improper application caused long degradations and interruptions. The longest interruption times were 69 seconds (transport) for Man-CPR and 25 seconds (device application) for Mech-CPR. Both Man-CPR and Mech-CPR maintained compression rates within the guideline range of 100-120/min, with Man-CPR tending to be faster.
Conclusion: Chest compression quality varies from the scene to hospital arrival. Man-CPR and Mech-CPR have different causes of quality changes and interruptions.