Is It Feasible to Perform Infant CPR during Transfer on a Stretcher until Cannulation for Extracorporeal CPR? A Randomization Simulation Study.

INTRODUCTION: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) improves infant survival outcomes after cardiac arrest. If not feasible at the place of arrest, victims must be transported to a suitable room to perform ECMO while effective, sustained resuscitation maneuvers are performed. The objective of this simulation study was to compare the quality of resuscitation maneuvers on an infant manikin during simulated transfer on a stretcher (stretcher test) within a hospital versus standard stationary resuscitation maneuvers (control test). METHODS: A total of 26 nursing students participated in a randomized crossover study. In pairs, the rescuers performed two 2 min tests, consisting of five rescue breaths followed by cycles of 15 compressions and two breaths. The analysis focused on CPR variables (chest compression and ventilation), CPR quality, the rate of perceived exertion and the distance covered. RESULTS: No differences were observed in the chest compression quality variable (82 ± 10% versus 84 ± 11%, p = 0.15). However, significantly worse values were observed in the test for ventilation quality on the stretcher (18 ± 14%) compared to the control test (28 ± 21%), with a value of p = 0.030. Therefore, the overall CPR quality was worse in the stretcher test (50 ± 9%) than in the control test (56 ± 13%) (p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Infant CPR performed by nursing students while walking alongside a moving stretcher is possible. However, in this model, the global CPR quality is less due to the low ventilation quality.

Aquatic Feasibility of Limbs Application of Tourniquets (AFLAT) during a Lifeguard Water Rescue: A Simulation Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION: Control of massive hemorrhage (MH) is a life-saving intervention. The use of tourniquets has been studied in prehospital and battlefield settings but not in aquatic environments. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research is to assess the control of MH in an aquatic environment by analyzing the usability of two tourniquet models with different adjustment mechanisms: windlass rod versus ratchet. METHODOLOGY: A pilot simulation study was conducted using a randomized crossover design to assess the control of MH resulting from an upper extremity arterial perforation in an aquatic setting. A sample of 24 trained lifeguards performed two randomized tests: one using a windlass-based Combat Application Tourniquet 7 Gen (T-CAT) and the other using a ratchet-based OMNA Marine Tourniquet (T-OMNA) specifically designed for aquatic use on a training arm for hemorrhage control. The tests were conducted after swimming an approximate distance of 100 meters and the tourniquets were applied while in the water. The following parameters were recorded: time of rescue (rescue phases and tourniquet application), perceived fatigue, and technical actions related to tourniquet skills. RESULTS: With the T-OMNA, 46% of the lifeguards successfully stopped the MH compared to 21% with the T-CAT (P = .015). The approach swim time was 135 seconds with the T-OMNA and 131 seconds with the T-CAT (P = .42). The total time (swim time plus tourniquet placement) was 174 seconds with the T-OMNA and 177 seconds with the T-CAT (P = .55). The adjustment time (from securing the Velcro to completing the manipulation of the windlass or ratchet) for the T-OMNA was faster than with the T-CAT (six seconds versus 19 seconds; P < .001; effect size [ES] = 0.83). The perceived fatigue was high, with a score of seven out of ten in both tests (P = .46). CONCLUSIONS: Lifeguards in this study demonstrated the ability to use both tourniquets during aquatic rescues under conditions of fatigue. The tourniquet with the ratcheting-fixation system controlled hemorrhage in less time than the windlass rod-based tourniquet, although achieving complete bleeding control had a low success rate.

New communication tool for basic life support training: smart glasses. A quasi-experimental study.

AIM: To analyze the effectiveness of a teaching-learning methodology for teletraining in basic life support (BLS) based on communication through smart glasses. DESIGN: Pilot quasi-experimental non-inferiority study. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty college students. INTERVENTIONS: Randomization of the participants in: tele-training through smart glasses (SG) and traditional training (C) groups. Both training sessions were very brief (less than 8 min) and included the same BLS content. In SG, the instructor trained through a video call with smart glasses. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: The BLS protocol, the use of AED, the quality of resuscitation and the response times were evaluated. RESULTS: In most of the BLS protocol variables, the resuscitation quality and performance times, there were no statistically significant differences between groups. There were significant differences (in favor of the SG) in the assessment of breathing (SG: 100%, C: 81%; p = 0.013), the not-to-touch warning before applying the shock (SG: 79%, C: 52%; p = 0.025) and compressions with correct recoil (SG: 85%, C: 32%; p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Laypeople BLS-AED brief tele-training through smart glasses could potentially be, at least, as effective as traditional training methods. In addition, smart glasses could be more advantageous than traditional teaching for certain points of the BLS protocol and chest compressions quality, probably due to the capability of real-time visualization of images which supports the BLS sequence. Augmented reality supported teaching should be considered for BLS training, although caution is required in extrapolating findings, and further in-depth studies are needed to confirm its potential role depending on concrete target populations and environments.

School children brief training to save foreign body airway obstruction.

Foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO) is a relatively common emergency and a potential cause of sudden death both in children and older people; bystander immediate action will determine the victim's outcome. Although many school children's basic life support (BLS) training programs have been implemented in recent years, references to specific training on FBAO are lacking. Therefore, the aim was to assess FBAO-solving knowledge acquisition in 10-13-year-old school children. A quasi-experimental non-controlled simulation study was carried out on 564 ten-to-thirteen-year-old children from 5 schools in Galicia (Spain). Participants received a 60-min training led by their physical education teachers (5 min theory, 15 min demonstration by the teacher, and 30 min hands-on training) on how to help to solve an FBAO event. After the training session, the school children's skills were assessed in a standardized adult's progressive FBAO simulation scenario. The assessment was carried out by proficient researchers utilizing a comprehensive checklist specifically designed to address the variables involved in resolving a FBAO event according with current international guidelines. The assessment of school children's acquired knowledge during the simulated mild FBAO revealed that 62.2% of participants successfully identified the event and promptly encouraged the simulated patient to cough actively. When the obstruction progressed, its severity was recognized by 86.2% and back blows were administered, followed by abdominal thrusts by 90.4%. When the simulated victim became unconscious, 77.1% of children identified the situation and immediately called the emergency medical service and 81.1% initiated chest compressions. No significant differences in performance were detected according to participants' age.  Conclusion: A brief focused training contributes to prepare 10-13-year-old school children to perform the recommended FBAO steps in a standardized simulated patient. We consider that FBAO should be included in BLS training programs for school children. What is Known: • Kids Save Lives strategy states that school children should learn basic life support (BLS) skills because of their potential role as first responders. • This BLS training does not include content for resolving a foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO). What is New: • Following a 60-min theoretical-practical training led by physical education teachers, 10-13-year-old school children are able to solve a simulated FBAO situation. • The inclusion of FBAO content in BLS training in schools should be considered.

Trained Lifeguards Performing Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation While Running: A Pilot Simulation Study.

The aim of this study was to compare the quality of standard infant CPR with CPR in motion (i.e., walking and running) via performing maneuvers and evacuating the infant from a beach. Thirteen trained lifeguards participated in a randomized crossover study. Each rescuer individually performed three tests of 2 min each. Five rescue breaths and cycles of 30 chest compressions followed by two breaths were performed. Mouth-to-mouth-and-nose ventilation was carried out, and chest compressions were performed using the two-fingers technique. The manikin was carried on the rescuer's forearm with the head in the distal position. The analysis variables included compression, ventilation, and CPR quality variables, as well as physiological and effort parameters. Significantly lower compression quality values were obtained in running CPR versus standard CPR (53% ± 14% versus 63% ± 15%; p = 0.045). No significant differences were observed in ventilation or CPR quality. In conclusion, lifeguards in good physical condition can perform simulated infant CPR of a similar quality to that of CPR carried out on a victim who is lying down in a fixed position.

Dispatcher-assisted BLS for lay bystanders: A pilot study comparing video streaming via smart glasses and telephone instructions.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether dispatcher assistance via smart glasses improves bystander basic life support (BLS) performance compared with standard telephone assistance in a simulated out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) scenario. METHODS: Pilot study in which 28 lay people randomly assigned to a smart glasses-video assistance (SG-VA) intervention group or a smartphone-audio assistance (SP-AA) control group received dispatcher guidance from a dispatcher to provide BLS in an OHCA simulation. SG-VA rescuers received assistance via a video call with smart glasses (Vuzix, Blade) connected to a wireless network, while SP-AA rescuers received instructions over a smartphone with the speaker function activated. BLS protocol steps, quality of chest compressions, and performance times were compared. RESULTS: Nine of the 14 SG-VA rescuers correctly completed the BLS protocol compared with none of the SP-AA rescuers (p = 0.01). A significantly higher number of SG-VA rescuers successfully opened the airway (13 vs. 5, p = 0.002), checked breathing (13 vs. 8, p = 0.03), correctly positioned the automatic external defibrillator pads (14 vs.6, p = 0.001), and warned bystanders to stay clear before delivering the shock (12 vs. 0, p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed for performance times or chest compression quality. The mean compression rate was 104 compressions per minute in the SG-VA group and 98 compressions per minute in the SP-AA group (p = 0.46); mean depth of compression was 4.5 cm and 4.4 cm (p = 0.49), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Smart glasses could significantly improve dispatcher-assisted bystander performance in an OHCA event. Their potential in real-life situations should be evaluated.

Augmented reality training in basic life support with the help of smart glasses. A pilot study.

Introduction: Laypeople should be trained in basic life support and traditional and innovative methodologies may help to obtain this goal. However, there is a knowledge gap about the ideal basic life support training methods. Smart glasses could have a role facilitating laypeople learning of basic life support. Aim: To analyze the potential impact on basic life support learning of a very brief training supported by smart glasses video communication. Methods: Twelve laypeople were basic life support tele-trained by means of smart glasses by an instructor in this pilot study. During training (assisted trough smart glasses) and after the training (unassisted) participants' performance and quality of basic life support and automated external defibrillation procedure were assessed on a standardized simulated scenario. Results: After the training all participants were able to deliver good quality basic life support, with results comparable to those obtained when real time remotely guided by the instructor through the smart glasses. Mean chest compression rate was significantly higher when not guided (113 /min vs. 103 /min, p = 0.001). When not assisted, the participants spent less time delivering the sequential basic life support steps than when assisted while training. Conclusions: A very brief remote training supported by instructor and smart glasses seems to be an effective educational method that could facilitate basic life support learning by laypeople. This technology could be considered in cases where instructors are not locally available or in general in remote areas, providing basic internet connection is available. Smart glasses could also be useful for laypeople rolling-refreshers.

Are smart glasses feasible for dispatch prehospital assistance during on-boat cardiac arrest? A pilot simulation study with fishermen.

The aim of the study was to explore feasibility of basic life support (BLS) guided through smart glasses (SGs) when assisting fishermen bystanders. Twelve participants assisted a simulated out-of-hospital cardiac arrest on a fishing boat assisted by the dispatcher through the SGs. The SGs were connected to make video calls. Feasibility was assessed whether or not they needed help from the dispatcher. BLS-AED steps, time to first shock/compression, and CPR's quality (hands-only) during 2 consecutive minutes (1st minute without dispatcher feedback, 2nd with dispatcher feedback) were analyzed. Reliability was analyzed by comparing the assessment of variables performed by the dispatcher through SGs with those registered by an on-scene instructor. Assistance through SGs was needed in 72% of the BLS steps, which enabled all participants to perform the ABC approach and use AED correctly. Feasibility was proven that dispatcher's feedback through SGs helped to improve bystanders' performance, as after dispatcher gave feedback via SGs, only 3% of skills were incorrect. Comparison of on-scene instructor vs. SGs assessment by dispatcher differ in 8% of the analyzed skills: greatest difference in the "incorrect hand position during CPR" (on-scene: 33% vs. dispatcher: 0%). When comparing the 1st minute with 2nd minute, there were only significant differences in the percentage of compressions with correct depth (1st:48 ± 42%, 2nd:70 ± 31, p = 0.02). Using SGs in aquatic settings is feasible and improves BLS. CPR quality markers were similar with and without SG. These devices have great potential for communication between dispatchers and laypersons but need more development to be used in real emergencies.

Brief Training of Technical Bleeding Control Skills-A Pilot Study with Security Forces.

Uncontrolled external bleeding is a common cause of preventable death, and due to the environment in which these events often occur, e.g., in hostile environments, the state security forces are usually the first responders, and in many cases, if they are injured their partners provide the initial assistance. The tourniquet is a fast, effective, and easy-to-learn intervention, although there is a knowledge gap concerning training techniques. The objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of a bleeding control training program on a high-fidelity mannequin in a simulated critical situation in a law enforcement training environment. A quasi-experimental study was carried out with 27 members of the state security forces. They underwent brief theoretical-practical training and were evaluated via a scenario involving a critically ill patient in a hostile environment. The results showed that no member of the state security forces completed all the tourniquet placement steps, 26 (96%) prepared the tourniquet correctly, 21 (77.8%) placed it on the leg, and all the participants adjusted the band to the thickness of the injured limb and secured the windlass to the triangular flange of the device. However, only 23 (85.2%) of the participants placed it effectively. The participants, who were members of the state security forces, were able to effectively resolve a critical situation with active bleeding in a simulation scenario with a high-fidelity mannequin after completing theoretical-practical training.

Quality of Ventilations during Infant Resuscitation: A Simulation Study Comparing Endotracheal Tube with Face Mask.

Background: There are few studies that analyze ventilation volume and pressure during CPR carried out on infants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of the ventilations administered using a self-inflating bag with an endotracheal tube and a face mask in manikins. Methods: a quasi-experimental simulation study with a randomized case crossover design [endotracheal tube (ET) vs. face mask (FM)] was performed. Sixty participants who were previously trained nursing students participated in the study. The estimated air volumes breathed, and the pressure generated during each ventilation were assessed and the quality of the chest compressions was recorded. Results: the ET test presented a higher percentage of ventilations that reached the lungs (100% vs. 86%; p < 0.001), with adequate volume (60% vs. 28%; p < 0.001) in comparison to FM. Both tests presented peak pressures generated in the airway greater than 30 cm H2O (ET: 22% vs. FM: 31%; p = 0.03). Conclusions: performing quality CPR ventilations on an infant model is not an easy skill for trained nursing students. Both tests presented a significant incidence of excessive peak pressure during ventilations. Specific training, focused on quality of ventilations guided by a manometer attached to the self-inflating bag, must be considered in life support training for pediatric providers.

National Survey: How Do We Approach the Patient at Risk of Clinical Deterioration outside the ICU in the Spanish Context?

BACKGROUND: Anticipating and avoiding preventable intrahospital cardiac arrest and clinical deterioration are important priorities for international healthcare systems and institutions. One of the internationally followed strategies to improve this matter is the introduction of the Rapid Response Systems (RRS). Although there is vast evidence from the international community, the evidence reported in a Spanish context is scarce. METHODS: A nationwide cross-sectional research consisting of a voluntary 31-question online survey was performed. The Spanish Society of Intensive, Critical and Coronary Care Medicine (SEMICYUC) supported the research. RESULTS: We received 62 fully completed surveys distributed within 13 of the 17 regions and two autonomous cities of Spain. Thirty-two of the participants had an established Rapid Response Team (RRT). Common frequency on measuring vital signs was at least once per shift but other frequencies were contemplated (48.4%), usually based on professional criteria (69.4%), as only 12 (19.4%) centers used Early Warning Scores (EWS) or automated alarms on abnormal parameters. In the sample, doctors, nurses (55%), and other healthcare professionals (39%) could activate the RRT via telephone, but only 11.3% of the sample enacted this at early signs of deterioration. The responders on the RRT are the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), doctors, and nurses, who are available 24/7 most of the time. Concerning the education and training of general ward staff and RRT members, this varies from basic to advanced and specific-specialized level, simulating a growing educational methodology among participants. A great number of participants have emergency resuscitation equipment (drugs, airway adjuncts, and defibrillators) in their general wards. In terms of quality improvement, only half of the sample registered RRT activity indicators. In terms of the use of communication and teamwork techniques, the most used is clinical debriefing in 29 centers. CONCLUSIONS: In terms of the concept of RRS, we found in our context that we are in the early stages of the establishment process, as it is not yet a generalized concept in most of our hospitals. The centers that have it are in still in the process of maturing the system and adapting themselves to our context.

Infant Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Quality While Walking Fast: A Simulation Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study focuses on the characteristics (feasibility, resuscitation quality, and physical demands) of infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the forearm during fast walking, performed by a trained lay rescuer. METHODS: Twenty-one university students from the infant education degree participated in a randomized crossover simulation study to compare a standard pediatric CPR versus a walking pediatric CPR with a manikin on the rescue forearm. Each rescuer performed 2 resuscitation tests of 2 minutes on the infant manikin. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, physiological, and perceived effort variables were measured. RESULTS: The quality of chest compressions was higher in standard pediatric CPR than in walking pediatric CPR (72% vs 51%; P < 0.001) and overall CPR quality (59% vs 49%; P = 0.02). There were no differences between ventilation quality (47% vs 46%). Walking pediatric CPR presented a higher percentage of maximum heart rate (52% vs 69%; P < 0.001) and perceived exertion rate (2 vs 5; P < 0.001). Participants walked an average of 197 m during the test. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, pediatric walking CPR is feasible although it represents a slight quality decrease in a simulation infant CPR setting. The option "CPR while walking fast to a safe place" seems to be suitable in terms of safety both for the victim and the rescuer, as well as CPR quality in special circumstances.

Lactate improves the predictive ability of the National Early Warning Score 2 in the emergency department.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare the ability to predict 2-, 7-, 14-, and 30-day in-hospital mortality of lactate vs the National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) vs the arithmetic sum of the NEWS2 plus the numerical value of lactate (NEWS2-L). METHODS: This was a prospective, multicentric, emergency department delivery, pragmatic cohort study. To determine the predictive capacity of lactate, we calculated the NEWS2 and NEWS2-L in adult patients (aged >18 years) transferred with high priority by ambulance to the emergency department in five hospitals of Castilla y Leon (Spain) between November 1, 2019, and September 30, 2020. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of each of the scales was calculated in terms of mortality for every time frame (2, 7, 14, and 30 days). We determined the cut-off point of each scale that offered highest sensitivity and specificity using the Youden index. RESULTS: A total of 1716 participants were included, and the in-hospital mortality rates at 2, 7, 14, and 30 days were of 7.8% (134 cases), 11.6% (200 cases), 14.2% (243 cases), and 17.2% (295 cases), respectively. The best cut-off point determined in the NEWS2 was 6.5 points (sensitivity of 97% and specificity of 59%), and for lactate, the cut-off point was 3.3 mmol/L (sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 72%). Finally, the combined NEWS2-L showed a cut-off point of 11.7 (sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 85%). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the NEWS2, lactate, and NEWS2-L in the validation cohort for 2-day mortality was 0.889, 0.856, and 0.923, respectively (p<0.001 in all cases). CONCLUSIONS: The new score generated, NEWS2-L, obtained better statistical results than its components (NEWS2 and lactate) separately.

"Dispatcher, Can You Help Me? A Woman Is Giving Birth". A Pilot Study of Remote Video Assistance with Smart Glasses.

Smart glasses (SG) could be a breakthrough in emergency situations, so the aim of this work was to assess the potential benefits of teleassistance with smart glasses (SG) from a midwife to a lifeguard in a simulated, unplanned, out-of-hospital birth (OHB). Thirty-eight lifeguards were randomized into SG and control (CG) groups. All participants were required to act in a simulated imminent childbirth with a maternal−fetal simulator (PROMPT Flex, Laerdal, Norway). The CG acted autonomously, while the SG group was video-assisted by a midwife through SG (Vuzix Blade, New York, NY, USA). The video assistance was based on the OHB protocol, speaking and receiving images on the SG. The performance time, compliance with the protocol steps, and perceived performance with the SG were evaluated. The midwife's video assistance with SG allowed 35% of the SG participants to perform the complete OHB protocol. No CG participant was able to perform it (p = 0.005). All OHB protocol variables were significantly better in the SG group than in the CG (p < 0.05). Telemedicine through video assistance with SG is feasible so that a lifeguard with no knowledge of childbirth care can act according to the recommendations in a simulated, unplanned, uncomplicated OHB. Communication with the midwife by speaking and sending images to the SG is perceived as an important benefit to the performance.

Training frequency for educating schoolchildren in basic life support: very brief 4-month rolling-refreshers versus annual retraining-a 2-year prospective longitudinal trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of 4-month rolling-refreshers and annual retraining in basic life support (BLS) on a sample of schoolchildren. DESIGN: Prospective longitudinal trial. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred and seventy-two schoolchildren (8-12 years old). INTERVENTIONS: Schoolchildren were instructed in BLS and then split into the following three groups: control group (CG), standard group (SG) and rolling-refresher group (RRG). Their BLS skills were assessed within 1 week (T1) and 2 years later (T2). Moreover, CG did not receive any additional training; SG received one 50 min retraining session 1 year later; RRG participated in very brief (5 min) rolling-refreshers that were carried out every 4 months. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOMES: Hands-on skills of BLS sequence and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. RESULTS: BLS sequence performance was similar in all groups at T1, but SG and RRG followed the steps of the protocol in more proportion than CG at T2. When compared at T2, RRG showed higher proficiency than SG in checking safety, checking response, opening the airway and alerting emergency medical services. In addition, although the mean resuscitation quality was low in all groups, RRG participants reached a higher percentage of global quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CG: 16.4±24.1; SG: 25.3±28.8; RRG: 29.9%±29.4%), with a higher percentage of correct chest compressions by depth (CG: 3.9±11.8; SG: 10.8±22.7; RRG: 15.5±26.1 mm). CONCLUSIONS: In 8-to-12-year-old schoolchildren, although annual 50 min retraining sessions help to maintain BLS performance, 4-month very brief rolling-refreshers were shown to be even more effective. Thus, we recommend implementing baseline BLS training at schools, with subsequently brief rolling-refreshers.

Teaching and Evaluation Methods of the Use of the Tourniquet in Severe Limb Bleeding among Health Care Professionals: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Massive hemorrhage (MH) is a growing pathology in military settings and increasingly in civilian settings; it is now considered a public health problem in the United States with large-scale programs. Tourniquets are the fastest and most effective intervention in MH if direct pressure is not effective.The Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) recognizes a knowledge gap in optimal education techniques for first aid providers. This review aims to describe training and evaluation methods for teaching tourniquet use to both health care and military professionals. METHODS: The MEDLINE, CINAHL, WEB of Science, and Scopus databases were reviewed (from 2010 through April 2020). The quality of the selected studies was assessed using the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) scale. Studies that met at least 65% of the included items were included. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers. RESULTS: Ten of the 172 articles found were selected, of which three were randomized clinical trials. Heterogeneity was observed in the design of the studies and in the training and evaluative methods that limit the comparison between studies. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the training strategies studied are effective in improving knowledge, attitudes, and practical skills. There is no universal method, learning is meaningful but research should be directed to find out which ones work best.

Performing Simulated Basic Life Support without Seeing: Blind vs. Blindfolded People.

Previous pilot experience has shown the ability of visually impaired and blind people (BP) to learn basic life support (BLS), but no studies have compared their abilities with blindfolded people (BFP) after participating in the same instructor-led, real-time feedback training. Twenty-nine BP and 30 BFP participated in this quasi-experimental trial. Training consisted of a 1 h theoretical and practical training session with an additional 30 min afterwards, led by nurses with prior experience in BLS training of various collectives. Quantitative quality of chest compressions (CC), AED use and BLS sequence were evaluated by means of a simulation scenario. BP's median time to start CC was less than 35 s. Global and specific components of CC quality were similar between groups, except for compression rate (BFP: 123.4 + 15.2 vs. BP: 110.8 + 15.3 CC/min; p = 0.002). Mean compression depth was below the recommended target in both groups, and optimal CC depth was achieved by 27.6% of blind and 23.3% of blindfolded people (p = 0.288). Time to discharge was significantly longer in BFP than BP (86.0 + 24.9 vs. 66.0 + 27.0 s; p = 0.004). Thus, after an adapted and short training program, blind people were revealed to have abilities comparable to those of blindfolded people in learning and performing the BLS sequence and CC.

Analysis of Physiological Response during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation with Personal Protective Equipment: A Randomized Crossover Study.

The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required for the self-protection of healthcare workers during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in patients at risk of aerosol transmission of infectious agents. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of personal protective equipment on physiological parameters during CPR. A randomized, quasi-experimental, crossover design was used. The study was carried out in a training and simulation emergency box and the total sample consisted of 20 healthcare professionals. Two CPR tests were compared with the recommended sequence of 30 chest compressions and 2 ventilations. The duration of each test was 20 min. One of the CPR tests was carried out without using any PPE (CPR_control), i.e., performed with the usual clothing of each rescuer. The other test was carried out using a CPR test with PPE (i.e., CPR_PPE). The main variables of interest were: CPR quality, compressions, ventilations, maximum heart rate, body fluid loss, body temperature, perceived exertion index, comfort, thermal sensation and sweating. The quality of the CPR was similar in both tests. The maximum heart rate was higher in the active intervals (compressions + bag-valve-mask) of the test with PPE. CPR_PPE meant an increase in the perceived effort, temperature at the start of the thermal sensation test, thermal comfort and sweating, as opposed to CPR performed with usual clothing. Performing prolonged resuscitation with PPE did not influence CPR quality, but caused significant physiological demands. Rescuers were more fatigued, sweated more and their thermal comfort was worse. These results suggest that physical preparation should be taken into account when using PPE and protocols for physiological recovery after use should also be established.

CPR by foot. An alternative in special circumstances? A randomized simulation study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the differences in the quality and self-perception of CPR performed with foot technique compared to the standard technique with the hands in nursing students. METHODS: 65 university nursing students participated in a randomized simulation crossover design study. The participants randomly performed two CPR tests: CPR by foot and CPR by hands techniques. The compression-only protocol with a 2-min test was used with the Resusci Anne QCPR® manikin and Wireless Skill Reporter® software, both from Laerdal. RESULTS: Participants had lower quality when doing CPR by foot (72%) than when doing standard CPR (91%) (p = 0.006). 95% of the participants indicated standard CPR as the technique of choice, while 92% indicated that they would use CPR by foot if it was not possible to perform standard technique. CONCLUSIONS: CPR quality was lower when performing foot technique, although with positive results. It would be advisable for people with acquired CPR skills to know that they can do foot compressions in situations where they cannot use their hands.