Increasing compression depth during manikin CPR using a simple backboard.

Abstract

The quality of external chest compressions (ECC) is influenced by the surface supporting the patient. The aim of this study was to compare chest compression depth with and without a rigid backboard. The authors hypothesized that the presence of a backboard would result in an increased depth of chest compressions. A randomized, double-blinded, cross-over trial. We simulated in-hospital cardiac arrest using a resuscitation manikin placed in a standard hospital bed. In total, 23 hospital orderlies were randomly assigned to perform ECC for 2 min on two identical ResusciAnne manikins, under one of which a rigid backboard had been placed. Data were recorded using the Laerdal PC-Skill Reporting System. Mean chest compression depth increased from 43 to 48 mm (P < 0.0001) when a backboard was present (mean difference 5 mm, 95% CI 3.6-7.5 mm, SD 4.6). There was a significant increase in mean proportion of compressions >40 mm when using a backboard Mean 92% vs. 69%, P= 0.0007). No difference was found between the two groups in the following variables: duty cycle, compression rate, mean proportion of compressions of correct depth (40-50 mm) or proportion of compressions with incomplete release. Applying a backboard significantly increases depth of chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation when performed on a manikin model.