A new chest compression technique in infants

To compare the quality of chest compressions performed according to the classical technique (MT) versus a new technique (NM) (compression with 2thumbs with closed fists) in an infant manikin.

A controlled, randomized cross-over study was carried out in professionals assisting pediatric patients.

A University Hospital with a Pediatric ICU in the north of Spain.

Residents and nurses in Pediatrics who had completed a basic and an advanced pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation course.

Quantitative analysis of the variables referred to chest compression quality in a 2-minute cardiopulmonary resuscitation scenario in infants. Laerdal's SimPad^® with SkillReporter™ system was used.

Mean rate and percentage of compressions in the recommended rate range, mean depth and percentage of compressions within the depth range of recommendations, percentage of compressions with adequate decompression, and percentage of compressions performed with the fingers in the center of the chest.

Global quality of the compressions (NM: 84.2±23.7% vs. MT: 80.1±25.4% [p=0.25; p=ns]), percentage of compressions with correct depth (NM: 59.9±35.8% vs. MT: 59.5±35.7% [p=0.76; p=ns]), mean depth reached (NM: 37.3±3.8mm vs. MT: 36±5.3mm [p=0.06; p=ns]), percentage of complete re-expansion of the chest (NM: 94.4±9.3% vs. MT: 92.4±18.3% [p=0.58; p=ns]), and percentage of compressions with the recommended rate (NM: 62.2±34.6% vs. MT: 51±37.2% [p=0.13; p=ns]) proved similar with both methods.

The quality of chest compressions with the new method (thumbs with closed fists) is similar to that afforded by the traditional method.