Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 15, 2026
Standardized Model of Ventricular Fibrillation and Advanced Cardiac Life Support in Swine
Published on: January 30, 2020
Effect of bed width on the quality of compressions in simulated resuscitation: a randomized crossover manikin study
Xian-Long Zhou1, Li-Ping Sheng1, Jing Wang1
1Emergency Centre, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China.
Objectives:
To investigate the effects of bed width on the quality of chest compressions during simulated in-hospital resuscitation.
Methods:
Each candidate performed two 2-minute cycles of compression-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation on an adult manikin placed on either an emergency stretcher (narrow bed) or a standard hospital bed (wide bed) in random order at 1 day intervals. We conducted subjective assessments of cardiopulmonary resuscitation quality and rescuer fatigue at the end of each session, using surveys.
Results:
There were no significant differences between narrow and wide bed sessions in either mean depth or the percentage of compressions with adequate depth (P=.56 and .58, respectively). The mean rate of compressions and the percentage of compressions with adequate rate were also similar between sessions (P=.24 and .27, respectively). However, the percentage of correct hand position and complete chest recoil was significantly higher in the narrow bed session than in the wide bed session (P=.02 and .02, respectively). In addition, survey results showed that rescuers felt more comfortable and less exhausted in the narrow bed session compared with the wide bed session (P<.001 and < .001).
Conclusions:
When rescuers performed chest compressions on an emergency stretcher, chest compression quality increased, and the fatigue of rescuers decreased compared with a standard hospital bed. Therefore, we propose a narrow bed for critically ill inpatients with high risk of cardiac arrest.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation I: Adult
01:20Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate
A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation:
01:29Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement:
01:22Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management