Development and Validation of a Novel Ultra-Compact and Cost-Effective Device for Basic Hands-On CPR Training: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled, Blinded Trial

To examine the performance of a novel low-cost, ultra-compact, and attractive auditory feedback device for training laypeople in external chest compressions (ECCs), we conducted a quasi-experimental cross-sectional study from September to November 2021 at the Faculty of Nursing of Albacete, University of Castille-La Mancha, Spain. The ECC sequence was performed in the laboratory with the new device for basic hands-on CPR training. Results: One hundred college students were included in this study. The compression rate/min with the new device was 97.6, and the adequate %ECC was 52.4. According to the status of body mass index (BMI) and muscle strength of the upper limbs in the bivariate analysis, it was observed that the new device discriminated between those who performed correct ECCs according to their BMI and muscle strength and those who did not, which led to significantly influenced results in terms of the percentage of ECCs with correct depth. Conclusions: The new ultra-compact auditory feedback device Salvando a Llanetes(R) demonstrated utility for teaching and learning ECCs in basic CPR. We can affirm that the analyzed device is an adequate, safe and economical method for teaching CPR Hands-Only (TM) to the general population.

Automated summary

This study examined the performance of a novel low-cost, ultra-compact, and attractive auditory feedback device for training laypeople in external chest compressions (ECCs). The results showed that the device was effective in teaching and learning basic CPR, and it could discriminate between those who performed correct ECCs according to their BMI and muscle strength and those who did not.