Randomised simulation trial found an association between rescuers' height and weight and chest compression quality during paediatric resuscitation

Abstract

Aim Our aim was to examine the relationship between rescuers' anthropometric data and chest compression quality during paediatric resuscitation training. Methods This study focused on 224 medical students (53% women) who performed 2 minutes of paediatric resuscitation at the Medical University of Vienna, Austria: 116 on a baby manikin and 108 on an adolescent manikin. Skill Reporter software measured chest compression quality by recording compression depth, frequency, hand position and complete recoil. The participants' height, weight and body mass index (BMI) were recorded. Results Participants with a lower BMI achieved higher total chest compression scores on both the baby and adolescent manikins than participants with a higher BMI. The latter were more likely to exceed the correct compression depth and not achieve complete chest recoil in the adolescent manikin. When it came to the baby manikin, the female participants achieved better chest recoil and the males achieved a higher number of compressions at the correct rate. Males also achieved better chest recoil with the adolescent manikins. Being tall only correlated with incomplete recoil in the adolescent manikin. Conclusion The results indicate that anthropometric variables were associated with chest compression quality in paediatric patients and should be considered by future education programmes.

Effect of a dynamic mattress on chest compression quality during cardiopulmonary resuscitation

“…More specifically, the depth of chest compressions is higher in the overweight people compared with normal weight and underweight people. [19][20][21][22] To date, most researchers still mainly focused in their research on chest compression depth, rate and the chest compression-ventilation ratio.…”

“…These results are in line with earlier research examining the effect of BMI of participants on the quality of chest compressions: Chest compression depth in CPR is correlated with health care providers' body weight (and therefore often more muscle mass in the torso and/or arms). More specifically, the depth of chest compressions is higher in the overweight people compared with normal weight and underweight people 19‐22 . To date, most researchers still mainly focused in their research on chest compression depth, rate and the chest compression‐ventilation ratio.…”

Differences in the effects of rescuers’ height and weight on adult and paediatric resuscitation

“…I read with great interest the article by Bibl et al entitled ‘Randomised simulation trial found an association between rescuers’ height and weight and chest compression quality during paediatric resuscitation’ 1 . Differences in the quality of chest compression according to a rescuer's physical characteristics are an important issue because these differences could directly affect a cardiac arrest patient's outcome.…”