A comparison of standard and a modified method of two resuscitator adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation: description of a new system for research into advanced life support skills.

Abstract

The study compares two methods of Advanced Life Support by a pair of resuscitators using a bag-valve-mask (BVM) technique. Standard two resuscitator cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was compared with a modified method of two resuscitator CPR. During the modified CPR one resuscitator held the face mask while the other resuscitator alternates between squeezing the self inflating bag and performing simulated cardiac compressions. Standard CPR was performed at a ventilation:compression ratio of 1:5 while modified CPR was performed at a ventilation:compression ratio of 2:15. Comparisons were made during induction of anaesthesia in 30 ASA I and II patients. Modified CPR produced a greater tidal volume (TV) (P < 0.001), a slower respiratory rate (RR) (P < 0.001) and a faster compression rate (CR) (P < 0.01) (means with (S.D.): modified CPR: TV 990 (220) ml, RR 6 (1) min(-1), CR 82 (8) min(-1); standard CPR: TV 570 (190) ml, RR 10 (2) min(-1), CR 65 (11) min(-1)). A new method for the simultaneous computerised recording of simulated cardiac compressions together with mask pressure and expired gas composition in anaesthetised patients is described.