Transthoracic impedance used to evaluate performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation during out of hospital cardiac arrest

SummaryIntroductionThere is a need to measure cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in order to document whether ambulance personnel follow CPR guidelines. Our goal was to do this using defibrillator technology based on changes in transthoracic impedance (TTI) produced by chest compressions and ventilations.Methods122 incidents of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest between May 2003 and February 2004 were analysed based on data recorded from defibrillators in Oslo EMS. New software was used to analyze chest compressions and ventilations based on changes in thoracic impedance between the defibrillator pads, as well as ECG and other event data.ResultsIn total, 25 ± 14% (varying from 76% to 3%) of the time chest compressions were not performed on patients without spontaneous circulation (NFR = No Flow Ratio). When adjusting for time spent on analysis of ECG, pulse check and defibrillation, NFR was 20 ± 13% (varying from 70% to 3%). Mean compressions delivered per minute was 87 ± 16 and the compression rate during active compressions was 117 ± 9 min−1. Individual variation was 31–117 min−1 (mean) and 95–144 min−1 (active periods). A mean of 14 ± 3 ventilations/min was recorded, varying from 8 to 26 min−1. Compared with the rest of the episode, the first 5 min had a significantly higher proportion of time without chest compressions; 30 ± 17% (p < 0.001) and significantly lower mean compression and ventilation rates; 80 ± 19 min−1 and 12 ± 4 min−1, respectively (p < 0.001 in both cases).ConclusionsCore CPR values can be measured from TTI signals by using a standard defibrillator and new software. NFR was 25% (20% adjusted) with great rescuer variability.