CPREzy™ improves performance of external chest compressions in simulated cardiac arrest

Aim of the study: External chest compression (ECC) is an essential part of cardioputmonary resuscitation and usually performed without any adjuncts. Although different supportive devices have been developed, none have yet been implemented as a standard procedure to guide rescuers in resuscitation. This study investigates the effects of the CPREzy (TM)-pad on ECC performed by first year medical students during simulated cardiac arrest. Materials and methods: Two hundred and two subjects were randomised and asked to perform 5 min of single-rescuer-CPR. Group 1 (n = 111) was taught classic ECC, followed by ECC with the CPREzy (TM) and was tested in ECC with the CPREZY (TM). Group 2 (n = 91) was taught and tested in classic ECC only. One week later each group was divided: Group 1 A was tested in ECC with the CPREzy (TM) again; Group 1 B was tested in classic ECC. Group 2A was taught and tested in ECC with CPREzy (TM); Group 2B was tested in classic ECC again. Primary endpoints were compression rate (90-110/min) and compression depth (40-50 mm). Results: Comparing groups 1 and 2, ECC was significantly superior with CPREzy (TM) (correct rate: 93.7% versus 19.8%, p <= 0.01; depth: 71.2% versus 34.1%, p <= 0.01). The group tested with CPREzy (TM) initially 1 week later (2A; n = 36) improved significantly in correct compression rate (19.8% versus 88.9%, p <= 0.01) and compression depth (34.1% versus 75.0%, p <= 0.02). The control-group (2B; n=55) without CPREZy (TM) demonstrated poor performance in both evaluations (correct rate: 19.8% versus 25.5%, depth: 34.1% versus 43.6%). Conclusion: CPREzy (TM) A as a simple portable and re-usable device is able to improve performance of ECC in simulated cardiac arrest. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.