The Effect of Cardiac Arrest Simulation Training Using Mechanical CPR Device on Chest Compression Quality of Paramedics in Pre-Hospital

Background/Objectives: It is to establish a transport plan in a situation where it is difficult to maintain the quality of CPR due to the building structure by measuring the difference in quality of CPR in the field and transport process of pre-hospital cardiac arrest patients.

Method/Statistical Analysis:For this purpose, simulated CPR training for OHCA patients who were not seen in the field was performed on the 78 EMT trainees enrolled in firefighterschool in K region. The simulated training was performed by dividing them into two groups such as one group using manual CPR and the other group using mechanical CPR (LUCAS2™) in the stage of field and the transport composed of stairs and corridors in a four-story building.

Findings: The quality of chest compression implemented at the field does not satisfy all the requirements of the guideline, but provided sufficient depth and rate of the pressure. The values of the measured CPR quality showed that CPR in the transport was lower than that in the field. The chest press quality was lower- in particular the depth of chest press was about 20mm lower and it did not meet the 2015 Guidelines of the CPR Association in Korea. On the other hand, the group using LUCAS2™ in the transport stage showed steady and even press depth and appropriate press and relaxation without degradation of the quality comparing to CPR in the field, all guidelines are satisfied. Although there is much controversy about the improvement of chest compression quality using CPR devices leading to improved survival rates, the use of CPR devices should continue to be considered in these unstable environments.

Improvements/Applications: Conclusively, in the transport process where there are structural difficulties, the group using LUCAS2™ could meet the Guidelines of the CPR Association when performing CPR which plays important role in increasing revival rate of OHCA patients. It can be the ground of using mechanical CPR devices in the future.