Relationship between chest compression depth and novice rescuer body weight during cardiopulmonary resuscitation

This study determined if rescuer body weight is a major determinant of chest compression depth (CCD) among novice rescuers by analyzing the results of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skill tests among medical students and determined the body weight threshold for those unable to achieve adequate CCD.

Retrospective analysis of CPR test results was performed. A total of 107 medical students completed the tests, which included 5 cycles of CPR. Data were collected using a ResusciAnne SkillReporter. Anthropometric data including participant body weight, body mass index, and height were also collected. The relationships between CCD and anthropometric data were evaluated by Pearson correlation coefficient. In addition, univariate linear regression analysis was used to assess the association between body weight and CCD.

The highest positive correlation was found between CCD and body weight (r = 0.636, P < .001). Body weight correlated with CCD by as much as 40.5% (R² = 40.5, P < .001). Using a regression model, we described the association between body weight and CCD as follows: expected CCD (mm) = 0.46 × body weight + 17.59. The regression equation shows that rescuers weighing more than 70.5 kg could achieve a CCD of 50 mm.

Rescuer body weight is a major determinant of CCD in novice rescuers. Based on these findings, if 2 or more rescuers are available to perform CPR, chest compression should preferentially be performed by rescuers of healthy weight or overweight.