Evaluation of a new method for the carotid pulse check in cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Background: The ability to determine the presence or absence of a central pulse remains a key skill in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for healthcare providers, despite studies showing that they perform this poorly. The aim of this study was to evaluate a modified technique for palpation of the carotid pulse. Methods: Sixty seven undergraduate dental students were taught the standard method of carotid pulse detection during a basic life support session and were also taught a modified method. Each student was asked to palpate the carotid pulse of a volunteer in two positions (neck neutral and neck extended) with the volunteer on the floor and on a trolley. The time taken to identify the pulse was measured and the scenarios compared. Results: The time to detect the carotid pulse was reduced in three of the four scenarios (floor, neck extended P=0.0053, trolley neck neutral P = 0.0070, trolley neck extended P = 0.0024). The final scenario (floor, neck neutral) showed no improvement (P = 0.36). Conclusion: The new method of carotid pulse palpation results in a more rapid determination of the carotid pulse when it is present in all positions except with the neck neutral on the floor. This will only be clinically significant if trauma is suspected. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.