Use of Backboard and Deflation Improve Quality of Chest Compression When Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Is Performed on a Typical Air Inflated Mattress Configuration

• Published in: Journal of Korean medical science Vol. 28; no. 2; pp. 315 - 319
• Main Authors: Oh, Jaehoon, Kang, Hyunggoo, Chee, Youngjoon, Lim, Taeho, Song, Yeongtak, Cho, Youngsuk, Je, Sangmo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) The Korean Academy of Medical Sciences 01.02.2013; 대한의학회
• Subjects: Beds; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation - instrumentation; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation - methods; Compressive Strength; Equipment Design; Heart Massage - instrumentation; Heart Massage - methods; Humans; Intensive Care Units; Manikins; Original; Prospective Studies; 의학일반; Backboard; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation; Mattresses; Beds
• ISSN: 1011-8934; 1598-6357; 1598-6357
• DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2013.28.2.315

No study has examined the effectiveness of backboards and air deflation for achieving adequate chest compression (CC) depth on air mattresses with the typical configurations seen in intensive care units. To determine this efficacy, we measured mattress compression depth (MCD, mm) on these surfaces using dual accelerometers. Eight cardiopulmonary resuscitation providers performed CCs on manikins lying on 4 different surfaces using a visual feedback system. The surfaces were as follows: A, a bed frame; B, a deflated air mattress placed on top of a foam mattress laid on a bed frame; C, a typical air mattress configuration with an inflated air mattress placed on a foam mattress laid on a bed frame; and D, C with a backboard. Deflation of the air mattress decreased MCD significantly (B; 14.74 ± 1.36 vs C; 30.16 ± 3.96, P < 0.001). The use of a backboard also decreased MCD (C; 30.16 ± 3.96 vs D; 25.46 ± 2.89, P = 0.002). However, deflation of the air mattress decreased MCD more than use of a backboard (B; 14.74 ± 1.36 vs D; 25.46 ± 2.89, P = 0.002). The use of a both a backboard and a deflated air mattress in this configuration reduces MCD and thus helps achieve accurate CC depth during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.