The Specific Effect of Metronome Guidance on the Quality of One-person Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Rescuer Fatigue

BET 3: Can metronomes improve CPR quality?

“…We have identified some studies published subsequent to the publication of the most recent resuscitation guidelines. This is important, as the rate and depth of closed-chest compressions have changed during range time of the cited studies (eg, ALS 5th Edition: rate 100/min, depth 4-5 cm, ALS 6th Edition: rate 100-120/min, depth 5-6 cm) (Chung et al 2012. These studies add to the evidence that metronomes may assist in optimising chest compressions to optimum rates suggested by the guidelines.…”

“…One study has specifically explored this and suggested that faster rates were associated with a reduction in the quality and depth of chest compressions (Hurst et al 2011). This is backed up by some evidence of a reduction in compression depth (Oh et al 2008, Chung et al 2012, Park et al 2013. The majority of studies have been performed in simulated clinical situations using manikins.…”

Audiovisual feedback device use by health care professionals during CPR: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised and non-randomised trials

“…Other devices are available to aid CPR providers in performing high quality CPR such as mobile applications, 49 motion sensing devices 50 and metronomes 51 and some have been used by non-HCPs to aid CPR provision in lay providers. 49,50 These devices were determined to be out of the scope of this systematic review, but would provide an interesting area for future research.…”

CPR and YOU

“…8, 24 Compression quality may be improved by practicing with a metronome or automated feedback device; these have been shown to improve both pace and depth of chest compressions in medical learners. [41][42][43][44] Compression depth can be improved through placement of a backboard or use of a hard surface during CPR. 8 Performing chest compressions using a stool or while kneeling has also been shown to reduce rescuer fatigue by increasing mechanical advantage; 34,45 however, care should be taken to avoid leaning.…”