Kristi L. Koenig, MD, FACEP, FIFEM

A study of three devices showed they did not improve quality and substantially delayed starting CPR.

Devices that provide real-time audiovisual feedback during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are becoming more commonplace, but do they improve CPR quality measures? In an open randomized, controlled parallel group study, 240 medical students performed an 8-minute simulated single-rescuer basic life support (BLS) resuscitation without feedback or with one of three CPR feedback devices (Zoll PocketCPR, Laerdal CPRmeter, or iPhone app Zoll PocketCPR).

Effective compression (analyzed in 15-second intervals) was not improved using any of the three CPR feedback devices (17%, 32%, and 25%, respectively) compared with standard BLS without feedback (35%). Mean compression depth and rate were similar and within recommended ranges in all four groups. Time to first chest compression was significantly longer with a CPR feedback device (mean times, 15, 5, and 6 seconds, respectively) than without (mean time, 0 seconds).

Citation(s):

Zapletal B et al. Comparing three CPR feedback devices and standard BLS in a single rescuer scenario: A randomised simulation study. Resuscitation 2013 Nov 11; [e-pub ahead of print].