Comparison of the effectiveness of cardiopulmonary resuscitation with standard manual chest compressions and the use of TrueCPR and PocketCPR feedback devices

Abstract

Background: High effectiveness of chest compressions is an important element of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), improving survival and reducing neurological deficits resulting from sudden cardiac arrest.

Aim: Evaluation of the effectiveness of standard manual chest compressions (SMCC) and CPR with the use of two CPR feed­back devices: TrueCPR and PocketCPR.

Methods: 167 paramedics participated in the study. The participants were randomised to perform SMCC, CPR using the TrueCPR device, and CPR using a smartphone with the PocketCPR application in a crossover fashion.

Results: Comparison of SMCC, TrueCPR and PocketCPR showed differences in the effectiveness of chest compressions (40.3%, 85.5% and 28.8%, respectively), compression depth (49.5, 56.5 and 50.3 mm, respectively), and compression rate (118.5, 105.1, and 89.5 min^–1, respectively).

Conclusions: During simulated CPR, TrueCPR device significantly increased the effectiveness of chest compressions compared to SMCC and the use of PocketCPR smartphone application. Further studies are required to confirm these findings in clinical practice.