Can a Rescuer Gazing Point Intervention Improve the Depth of Chest Compressions in Hands-only Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation? A Randomized Simulation Study.
- Author:
Sang Kuk HAN
1
;
Pil Cho CHOI
;
Chong Kun HONG
;
Dong Hyuk SHIN
;
Ji Ung NA
;
Hyun Jung LEE
;
Seong Youn HWANG
;
Jun Hwi CHO
Author Information
1. Department of Emeregncy Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. pcmd.choi@samsung.com
- Publication Type:Randomized Controlled Trial ; Original Article
- Keywords:
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation;
Education;
Heart Massage;
Manikin
- MeSH:
Arm;
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation*;
Education;
Hand;
Heart Massage;
Heel;
Manikins;
Prospective Studies;
Thorax*
- From:Journal of the Korean Society of Emergency Medicine
2016;27(4):313-319
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a simple verbal instruction regarding the rescuer gazing point can improve the depth of chest compressions (CCs) in the hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). METHODS: Participants who took part in basic life support training courses for lay-rescuers were eligible for inclusion in this prospective, single-blinded, cluster randomized controlled study. After the training courses, both the control and the intervention groups performed the hands-only CPR for two minutes on a manikin placed on the ground. Immediately prior to CCs, instructors provided the intervention group with brief verbal instructions to look in the opposite direction of the adducted arm after placing the heel of the hand on the mid-sternum. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-two participants (61 for each group) were enrolled in this study. The intervention group showed significantly deeper CCs than the control group (47.9±8.2 mm vs. 43±8.4 mm, p<0.01); however, there were no significant differences between the two groups in the quality of chest recoil, CC rate, or duty cycle of CCs. However, the frequency of incorrect hand position was higher in the intervention group when compared with the control group (10.3 [2.3-35.7] vs. 5.7 [0-33.0], p=0.036) CONCLUSION: Instructions to look in the opposite direction of the adducted arm during CCs improved the mean depth of CCs without significant adverse effects on the quality of recoil, CC rate, or duty cycle of CCs. However, the frequency of incorrect hand position was higher in the intervention group than the control group.
