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Updated: Sep 2, 2025

Ultrasonographic Assessment During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Published on: October 24, 2020
Rescuers' characteristics associated with the correct chest compression during cardiopulmonary resuscitation
S Ballesteros-Peña1, G Vallejo-de la Hoz2, I Fernández-Aedo3
1Osakidetza, Organización Sanitaria Integrada Bilbao-Basurto, Bilbao, Vizcaya, Spain.
Aim:
To analyse the caregivers' physical, anthropometrical and educational characteristics associated with adequate chest compression and full chest recoil during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Methods:
An observational prospective research study was conducted. Emergency and critical care health professionals and students performed two minutes of chest compressions on a dummy. Depth and residual leaning after the compressions were assessed and their association with several variables (physical, anthropometrical, and educational) was analysed using logistic regression models.
Results:
Two hundred thirty-eight volunteers participated. Previous experience of the rescuer in less than six CPRs (OR = 3.03; 95% CI 1.2-7.63) was related to a higher probability of not achieving an adequate depth of compressions. Greater height (OR: .93; 95% CI .87-.99) and grip strength (OR: .94; 95% CI .89-.99) were associated with correct performance of chest compression. We did not find any characteristic related to chest recoil.
Conclusions:
The caregiver's previous experience with CPR was the strongest factor associated with adequate performance of chest compressions. To a lesser extent, the professional's height and upper body muscle strength also have an influence. No factors associated with the adequacy of full chest recoil were identified.
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Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...

