CPR using the lifeline ARM mechanical chest compression device: a randomized, crossover, manikin trial

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines emphasize continuous, high-quality chest compressions (CCs).
• Manual CPR quality degrades over time due to rescuer fatigue, negatively impacting patient outcomes.
• The Lifeline ARM is an automated device designed to deliver uninterrupted CCs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the Lifeline ARM automated chest compression device compared to manual CPR.
• To assess the impact of automated CPR on compression quality, rate, depth, and hands-off time.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, crossover manikin trial involving 78 paramedics.
• Comparison of manual CPR versus automated CPR using the Lifeline ARM device.
• Assessment of the fraction of effective CCs, compression depth, and rate.

Main Results:

• The Lifeline ARM achieved a significantly higher percentage of effective CCs per minute (100) compared to manual CPR (43).
• Automated CPR with the ARM demonstrated less decline in effective CCs over time, with higher adherence to recommended depth (97% vs. 63%) and rate.
• The ARM resulted in higher median tidal volume and reduced hands-off time during resuscitation.

Conclusions:

• Mechanical CCs delivered by the Lifeline ARM align better with current CPR guidelines than manual CCs.
• The Lifeline ARM enhances CC effectiveness, ventilation, and minute volume while minimizing hands-off intervals.
• Automated CPR with the Lifeline ARM shows potential to improve patient outcomes in resuscitation scenarios.