UMEM Educational Pearls

Title: Improve your Resuscitation! Tools for the Resus Room

Category: Critical Care

Keywords: CPR, Cardiac Arrest, ACLS, Chest Compression (PubMed Search)

Posted: 10/4/2013 by John Greenwood, MD
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Want to improve your chances of success in the resus room?  Download a metronome app on your smartphone and set it to a rate of 100-120 beats per minute.  There are a number of cheap (usually free) metronome applications for both iOS and Android devices.

A recent review looked at the evidence behind CPR feedback devices and found:

  • Compared to baseline, chest compression rates and end-tidal CO2 improved after activation of the metronomes.
  • There was a significant improvement in the hands-off time per minute during CPR
  • The proportion of intubation attempts taking under 20 seconds improved
  • There were Increased survival rates when implemented in the pre-hospital setting 

So instead of going to iTunes and downloading the Bee Gees, go over to the App store and download a free metronome.  Your resus team will be able to stay on track with their compressions and even better - they won't have to hear you sing!

References

Yeung J, Meeks R, Edelson D, Gao F, Soar J, Perkins GD. The use of CPR feedback/prompt devices during training and CPR performance: A systematic review. Resuscitation. 2009 Jul;80(7):743-51.