Efficacy of cardiopulmonary resuscitation performed in a dental chair.

BACKGROUND: Within the dental setting, historically there has been some concern as to whether cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can be performed effectively in the dental chair. This study tested the hypothesis that there is no difference in the efficacy of CPR performed in the dental chair or on the floor.
METHODS: Four cycles of two-person CPR were performed by three health professionals on a manikin positioned alternately on the floor and in a dental chair. Ventilation was performed using a Laerdal pocket mask, without oxygen supplementation. Compression and ventilation performance was recorded using a computerized manikin skill meter.
RESULTS: Each of the participants was able to achieve a mean cardiac compression depth of between 41 and 50cm, irrespective of the CPR surface. The only statistically significant difference found in expired air resuscitation (EAR) and external cardiac compression performance was that 37 per cent of ventilations performed on the floor were deemed to be too shallow, compared to only 15 per cent in the dental chair (p=0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: It is possible for those trained in basic life support to perform CPR effectively in the dental chair. Each of the participants agreed that CPR, in particular EAR, was easier to perform when the manikin was in the dental chair compared with the floor. Dentists are encourage to regularly update their CPR knowledge and skills, including the practice of CPR in the dental chair.