Hackman BB, Kellermann AL, Everitt P, Carpenter L. Three-rescuer CPR: the method of choice for firefighter CPR?
Ann Emerg Med 1995;
26:25-30. [PMID:
7793716 DOI:
10.1016/s0196-0644(95)70233-4]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE
To compare the quality of CPR provided by firefighters performing three-rescuer CPR with that achieved by firefighters trained to provide standard two-rescuer CPR.
DESIGN
Eight months after training a large number of firefighters to perform three-rescuer CPR, we used a quasi-experimental design to compare the performance of a randomly selected subset of these companies to that achieved by a control group of engine companies that received refresher training in standard two-rescuer CPR. Both groups used bag-valve masks to provide rescue ventilations. Testing was conducted on a no-notice basis with a recording mannequin. Key actions were scored by an experienced observer using explicit pass-fail criteria. Mannequin-generated strip charts were used to calculate the rate and depth of chest compressions and the ventilatory rate, volume, and minute ventilation in a blinded manner.
SETTING
Fire stations of the Memphis Fire Department. The department is the sole provider of first-responder emergency care to the citizens of Memphis, Tennessee (population, 610,000).
RESULTS
Three-rescuer teams delivered a mean minute ventilation substantially greater than that produced by two-rescuer teams (7.7 +/- 5.3 L versus 4.9 +/- 4.2 L, P < .001). Intergroup differences in the mean depth of chest compressions were less marked, but they were still significant (17.2 +/- 8.3 mm of recorder-needle deflection versus 13.7 +/- 7.0 mm, P < .001).
CONCLUSION
Three rescuers can produce better CPR than two when a bag-valve-mask device is used. The technique is easily learned and readily retained.
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