Quality of Chest Compressions Differs over Time between Advanced and Basic Life Support

Abstract Purpose: According to guideline recommendations, chest compressions (CC) during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be performed at a rate of 100 -120 per minute, with a CC fraction (CCF) of ≥80%. The aim of this work is to explore whether CC quality differs between advanced life support (ALS) and basic life support (BLS) performed by two rescuers. Method: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed by two ambulance personnel in ten ALS and ten BLS manikin scenarios. Data from these scenarios were then compared with data on ten ALS cases from the clinical setting, all with non-shockable rhythms. Data from the first two 5-minute periods of CC were evaluated from impedance data (LIFEPAK 12 defibrillator monitors) using a modified Laerdal Skillmaster manikin. Quality parameters compared were: number of CC pauses (CCPs), P. Lindblad et al. 945 CC rate was 118 (113 -124) for BLS, 111 (105 -120) for ALS manikins and 123 (103 -128) CC/min for clinical ALS cases. Conclusion: None of the groups being studied could deliver CC at a rate of 100 -120 CC/min or a CCF of ≥80% over the whole 10-minute period in any of the resuscitation scenarios analyzed. However, BLS had the best compliance with CC quality recommendations according to the 2010 guidelines