Energy Expenditure Of Chest Compressions In Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Abstract

PURPOSE: Literature supports rapidly declining quality of chest compressions over a short period of time during clinical resuscitation efforts. Rescuer fatigue has been implicated. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the energy expenditure of correctly performed CPR chest compressions using 100 compressions per minute as the standard. METHODS: Eighteen male subjects, ranging from untrained to very experienced, performed CPR compressions until proper form could not be maintained or ten min was reached (whichever came first) on a Laerdal Recording Resusci Anne (Wappinger Falls,NY). Adequacy of compressions (depth, rate and hand position) was monitored and feedback provided to ensure proper form. During all conditions oxygen consumption (VO2) and Heart Rate (HR) were measured using a Parvo-Medics True One 2400 Metabolic Measurement System (Sandy, Utah). RESULTS: Average caloric expenditure of performing correct chest compressions on an adult was 5.10 kcal/min (3.35-7.95). No correlations were found with BMI, waist to hip ratio, or experience. CONCLUSIONS: Other physiological factors beyond caloric expenditure must be quantified in evaluating the decline in quality of chest compressions over time seen in numerous studies.