Introduction to ecological innovations in resuscitation training. Does made of cardboard has to mean single-use?

Abstract

Aim: To assess the initial usefulness of an innovative, ecological manikin made of cardboard and coconut fiber, which is intended for resuscitation training. Material and methods: The study was conducted with the use of a mechanical chest compression device and assistance of human subjects. The first phase quantified the initial durability of the manikin. Phases two and three initially assessed manikins’ mechanical properties, its resistance to repetitive chest com¬pression training, and the quality of chest compressions performed on the tested manikin. Results: 268 and 49 participants took part in the first and the second phase of the study, respectively. The total number of chest compressions performed on the manikin was 30.736 and 4.928, respectively. The number of mechanical chest compressions reached 75.000 in phase three. The mean compression depth ranged between 47.1 ± 1.4 and 52.7 ± 0.6 mm, and the compression force ranged from 577 ± 10.0 to 686 ± 187 N. The rate of compressions ranged from 99.5 to 133/min, and the percentage of complete chest recoil ranged from 62.1 ± 20.3% to 100%. Conclusions: The tested ecological manikin invented for the purpose of resuscitation training provides the parameters necessary for students to master the ability to deliver high-quality chest compressions in terms of depth, rate, full recoil and force needed to perform chest compressions in a large adult. Durability tests showed that a manikin made of ecological materials can also be used multiple times, for many training groups.