The Efficacy of Chest Compressions in the Bell 407

The Air Medical industry is fraught with obstacles to patient care and providers can recognize that several sub-groups of patients can provide very challenging scenarios while in flight. However, the patient experiencing cardiac arrest in flight is, by its very nature, one that poses the most severe risk to the patient and provider. This study seeks to explore the capability of a highly trained emergency medical provider to provide adequate chest compressions while in a Bell 407 helicopter.

59 participants were evaluated in two separate scenarios. Scenario A consisted of 2 rounds of of 200 chest compressions performed on a flat, uncrowded surface. Scenario B consisted of 200 chest compressions performed in the cabin of a Bell 407. Participants performed 2 rounds of 200 chest compressions. The results were then compared to each other and to the AHA 2010 CPR guidelines.

The findings of the study show that compressions performed in the aircraft do not meet AHA guidelines for chest compressions in regard to depth and duration of compressions. The deviation from guideline in regard to rate was found to be not statistically significant.

Chest compressions performed in a Bell 407 helicopter do not meet AHA guidelines.