To Evaluate Quality of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Performed At Scene and During Transport After Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Crossover Trial

Abstract

Background: High-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is essential to improve survival rates in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Previous research suggests that the quality of CPR may decline during ambulance transport. Aims: To evaluate the quality of CPR performed at the scene and during transport after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Methods: A randomised, controlled, crossover trial was conducted to compare the performance of CPR on a manikin, both at the scene and in a moving ambulance. CPR quality was measured using a QCPR system, capturing parameters including compression depth, rate, recoil, and ventilation sufficiency. Participants alternated between the two scenarios after a one-hour recovery period. Results: 18 participants were enrolled, with a mean score for CPR quality of 52.94% in the ambulance and 53.25% at the scene. A t-test revealed no statistically significant difference (t(34) = -0.033, p = 0.97) in scores; furthermore, we observed no statistically significant differences in relation to the following parameters: flow fraction, cycles performed, total number of compressions, compression score, percentage of compressions performed with proper release, percentage of compressions performed with adequate depth, total number of ventilations, and ventilation score (p>0.05). Conclusion: The quality of CPR provided at the scene and in the ambulance is comparable, suggesting that competent CPR providers can deliver high-quality care in both settings.

Keywords

• Emergency Medical Services
• Manikins
• Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest
• Patient Transport
• Quality of Health Care
• Randomized Controlled Trial