Egger Alexander1,2, Tscherny Katharina2,3, Fuhrmann Verena3, Grafeneder Jürgen3,4, Niederer Maximilian1,3, Kienbacher Calvin3, Schachner Andreas2, Schreiber Wolfgang3, Herkner Harald3, Roth Dominik5. 1. Mountain Rescue Service Austria, Schelleingasse 26/2/2, 1040, Wien, Austria. 2. Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Hospital Scheibbs, Eisenwurzenstraße 26, 3270, Scheibbs, Austria. 3. Department of Emergency Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090, Wien, Austria. 4. Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090, Wien, Austria. 5. Department of Emergency Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090, Wien, Austria. dominik.roth@meduniwien.ac.at.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation in mountain environment is challenging. Continuous chest compressions during transport or hoist rescue are almost impossible without mechanical chest compression devices. Current evidence is predominantly based on studies conducted by urbane ambulance service. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the feasibility of continuous mechanical chest compression during alpine terrestrial transport using three different devices. METHODS: Randomized triple crossover prospective study in an alpine environment. Nineteen teams of the Austrian Mountain Rescue Service trained according to current ERC guidelines performed three runs each of a standardised alpine rescue-scenario, using three different devices for mechanical chest compression. Quality of CPR, hands-off-time and displacement of devices were measured. RESULTS: The primary outcome of performed work (defined as number of chest compressions x compression depth) was 66,062 mm (2832) with Corpuls CPR, 65,877 mm (6163) with Physio-Control LUCAS 3 and 40,177 mm (4396) with Schiller Easy Pulse. The difference both between LUCAS 3 and Easy Pulse (Δ 25,700; 95% confidence interval 21,118 - 30,282) and between Corpuls CPR and Easy Pulse (Δ 25,885; 23,590 - 28,181) was significant. No relevant differences were found regarding secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION:Mechanical chest compression devices provide a viable option in the alpine setting. For two out of three devices (Corpuls CPR and LUCAS 3) we found adequate quality of CPR. Those devices also maintained a correct placement of the piston even during challenging terrestrial transport. Adequate hands-off-times and correct placement could be achieved even by less trained personnel.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation in mountain environment is challenging. Continuous chest compressions during transport or hoist rescue are almost impossible without mechanical chest compression devices. Current evidence is predominantly based on studies conducted by urbane ambulance service. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the feasibility of continuous mechanical chest compression during alpine terrestrial transport using three different devices. METHODS: Randomized triple crossover prospective study in an alpine environment. Nineteen teams of the Austrian Mountain Rescue Service trained according to current ERC guidelines performed three runs each of a standardised alpine rescue-scenario, using three different devices for mechanical chest compression. Quality of CPR, hands-off-time and displacement of devices were measured. RESULTS: The primary outcome of performed work (defined as number of chest compressions x compression depth) was 66,062 mm (2832) with Corpuls CPR, 65,877 mm (6163) with Physio-Control LUCAS 3 and 40,177 mm (4396) with Schiller Easy Pulse. The difference both between LUCAS 3 and Easy Pulse (Δ 25,700; 95% confidence interval 21,118 - 30,282) and between Corpuls CPR and Easy Pulse (Δ 25,885; 23,590 - 28,181) was significant. No relevant differences were found regarding secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION: Mechanical chest compression devices provide a viable option in the alpine setting. For two out of three devices (Corpuls CPR and LUCAS 3) we found adequate quality of CPR. Those devices also maintained a correct placement of the piston even during challenging terrestrial transport. Adequate hands-off-times and correct placement could be achieved even by less trained personnel.
Authors: Christof Havel; Wolfgang Schreiber; Eva Riedmuller; Moritz Haugk; Nina Richling; Helmut Trimmel; Reinhard Malzer; Fritz Sterz; Harald Herkner Journal: Resuscitation Date: 2007-02-05 Impact factor: 5.262
Authors: Gabriel Putzer; Patrick Braun; Andrea Zimmermann; Florian Pedross; Giacomo Strapazzon; Hermann Brugger; Peter Paal Journal: Am J Emerg Med Date: 2012-09-20 Impact factor: 2.469