Abstract 180: Quality of Chest Compressions Performed During 1 and 2 Minutes by Medical Students

Abstract

Background: In order to perform an efficient CPR, it is very important to pay attention to the frequency of the thrusts and the depth of the movement being made into the chest. Studies have proven that the quality of the maneuver decreases over time as the minutes progress. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that chest compressions correctly performed during one minute are more effective than those continued during two minutes. Methods: We trained 48 first year medical students through the “Family and Friends CPR Anytime” course. Next, a minute of continuous compressions on the Resusci Anne training mannequin, with a PC reporting system, were performed. After one week, two minutes of continuous chest compressions were performed on the same mannequin. Results: The mean age was 20,94 ±3.51 years, the mean body mass index was 25.7 ±4.7 kg/m 2 and 25 students (55%) were of male gender. Comparing the compressions performed during one and two minutes, respectively: the average rate of compressions per minute were (116 vs. 123), the average of incomplete release (5% vs. 19%), the duty cycle (47% vs. 49%), percentage of compressions with no error (54% vs. 38%), with appropriate depth (57% vs. 48%) and the average depth (48mm vs. 45mm) show significant differences (p=0.01, p<0.01, p=0.03, p=0.01, p=0.30, p=0.03, respectively). The only parameter evaluated that showed no significant difference was the percentage of compressions with correct hand position, 93% vs. 86%, respectively (p=0.35). Conclusion: The results of the study show significant differences in important parameters of chest compressions and reveal better quality when performed during one minute rather than two minutes. This corroborates that it would be better to change the rescuer even before the two minute mark has elapsed. Furthermore, the main parameter that needs improvement would be the depth of compressions, reinforcing the need of devices which measure the depth of chest compressions during CPR maneuvers.