UMEM Educational Pearls

Minimizing interruptions in chest compressions during CPR is critically important. As an example of the adverse consequences of interruptions, consider the following finding from Edelson (Resuscitation 2010): for every 10 seconds of hands-off time during cardiac arrest, the patient's chances of successful return of spontaneous circulation decreases by 50% due to reductions in cerebral perfusion.

Next time you are involved in a code, keep this in mind, and do EVERYTHING POSSIBLE to minimize those interruptions in chest compressions.

 

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