Optimal chest compression rate in cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a prospective, randomized crossover study using a manikin model

Objectives When performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the 2010 American Heart Association guidelines recommend a chest compression rate of at least 100 min(-1), whereas the 2010 European Resuscitation Council guidelines recommend a rate of between 100 and 120 min(-1). The aim of this study was to examine the rate of chest compression that fulfilled various quality indicators, thereby determining the optimal rate of compression. Methods Thirty-two trainee emergency medical technicians and six paramedics were enrolled in this study. All participants had been trained in basic life support. Each participant performed 2 min of continuous compressions on a skill reporter manikin, while listening to a metronome sound at rates of 100, 120, 140, and 160 beats/min, in a random order. Mean compression depth, incomplete chest recoil, and the proportion of correctly performed chest compressions during the 2 min were measured and recorded. Results The rate of incomplete chest recoil was lower at compression rates of 100 and 120 min(-1) compared with that at 160 min(-1) (P=0.001). The numbers of compressions that fulfilled the criteria for high-quality CPR at a rate of 120 min(-1) were significantly higher than those at 100 min(-1) (P=0.016). Conclusion The number of high-quality CPR compressions was the highest at a compression rate of 120 min(-1), and increased incomplete recoil occurred with increasing compression rate. However, further studies are needed to confirm the results. Copyright (C) 2016 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.