CPREzy improves performance of external chest compressions in simulated cardiac arrest

External chest compression (ECC) is an essential part of cardiopulmonary 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-pad on ECC performed by first year medical students during simulated cardiac arrest.

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 and was tested in ECC with the CPREzy. Group 2 (n = 91) was taught and tested in classic ECC only. One week later each group was divided: Group 1A was tested in ECC with the CPREzy again; Group 1B was tested in classic ECC. Group 2A was taught and tested in ECC with CPREzy; Group 2B was tested in classic ECC again. Primary endpoints were compression rate (90-110/min) and compression depth (40-50mm).

Comparing groups 1 and 2, ECC was significantly superior with CPREzy (correct rate: 93.7% versus 19.8%, p < or = 0.01; depth: 71.2% versus 34.1%, p < or = 0.01). The group tested with CPREzy initially 1 week later (2A; n = 36) improved significantly in correct compression rate (19.8% versus 88.9%, p < or = 0.01) and compression depth (34.1% versus 75.0%, p < or = 0.02). The control-group (2B; n = 55) without CPREzy demonstrated poor performance in both evaluations (correct rate: 19.8% versus 25.5%, depth: 34.1% versus 43.6%).

CPREzy as a simple portable and re-usable device is able to improve performance of ECC in simulated cardiac arrest.