J Korean Soc Emerg Med.  2022 Feb;33(1):11-18.

Analysis of the effect of one-hand chest compression and rescuers’ characteristics affecting compression in unfolded stretchers

• Seo YS
• Kang JH
• Kim YW
• Yoon YS
• Park CH
• Ji JG
• Lee SW

Abstract

Objective
When rescuers move from ambulance to resuscitation area, they press the chest with one-hand by the stretchers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of one-hand chest compression on unfolded stretchers and analyze the characteristics of rescuers that affect compression.
Methods
A manikin simulation study was planned. A total of 28 participants performed one-hand chest compression for one minute to a manikin on the unfolded stretchers. The depth of compression, the extent of recoil and compression frequency were measured, and the results were analyzed. Correlation analysis was done between participant characteristics and depth and frequency of compression. Linear regression analysis was done for variables with significant correlation.
Results
Four participants were excluded due to wrist or shoulder pain. A total of 24 participants (13 male; 11 female) were enrolled. The mean depth of compression was 34.88±11.06 cm; the mean extent of recoil was 50.00±0 cm. The mean frequency of compression was 104.71±11.07 per minute. The extent of recoil and frequency of compression were satisfied with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines. The depth of compression was highly correlated with participants’ sex (r=-0.88), height (r=0.86), and weight (r=0.78). When adjusted for sex, the depth of compression increased as height and weight increased.
Conclusion
Mechanical chest compression device should be used when CPR is required while moving a cardiac arrest patient by the stretchers. If CPR needs to be done manually, moving distance should be minimized. Finally, a new type of stretcher that fits the body shape of Koreans should be developed.

Keyword

Chest compression; Stretchers; Manikin study; Cardiopulmonary resuscitation