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Trained Lifeguards Performing Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation While Running: A Pilot Simulation Study
Myriam Santos-Folgar1,2,3, Antonio Rodriguez-Nunez4,5,6,7,8, Roberto Barcala-Furelos1,4,5,8
1REMOSS Research Group, Faculty of Education and Sport Sciences, Universidade de Vigo, 36005 Pontevedra, Spain.
Insights
Standard infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) quality is comparable to CPR in motion, even while running. Trained lifeguards can maintain effective infant CPR during evacuation scenarios.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Pediatric Resuscitation
- Lifeguard Training
Background:
- Performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on infants during emergency evacuations presents unique challenges.
- Assessing the quality of CPR in motion is crucial for improving survival rates in dynamic rescue situations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the quality of standard infant CPR with CPR performed while moving (walking and running) during a simulated beach evacuation.
- To evaluate the impact of motion on CPR quality, physiological parameters, and rescuer effort.
Main Methods:
- A randomized crossover study involving 13 trained lifeguards performing 2-minute CPR tests on an infant manikin.
- Simulated scenarios included walking and running while carrying the manikin and performing 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths.
- Key variables analyzed included compression quality, ventilation effectiveness, and physiological effort.
Main Results:
- Significantly lower chest compression quality was observed during running CPR compared to standard CPR (63% ± 15% vs. 53% ± 14%, p = 0.045).
- No significant differences were found in ventilation quality or overall CPR quality between standard and in-motion CPR techniques.
- Physiological and effort parameters indicated that physically fit lifeguards could manage CPR during movement.
Conclusions:
- Physically fit lifeguards can perform simulated infant CPR with comparable quality to standard CPR, even when moving.
- These findings suggest that in-motion CPR is a viable option for lifeguards during infant evacuation scenarios.
- Further research could explore optimal techniques for in-motion CPR to maximize effectiveness.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to compare the quality of standard infant CPR with CPR in motion (i.e., walking and running) via performing maneuvers and evacuating the infant from a beach. Thirteen trained lifeguards participated in a randomized crossover study. Each rescuer individually performed three tests of 2 min each. Five rescue breaths and cycles of 30 chest compressions followed by two breaths were performed. Mouth-to-mouth-and-nose ventilation was carried out, and chest compressions were performed using the two-fingers technique. The manikin was carried on the rescuer's forearm with the head in the distal position. The analysis variables included compression, ventilation, and CPR quality variables, as well as physiological and effort parameters. Significantly lower compression quality values were obtained in running CPR versus standard CPR (53% ± 14% versus 63% ± 15%; p = 0.045). No significant differences were observed in ventilation or CPR quality. In conclusion, lifeguards in good physical condition can perform simulated infant CPR of a similar quality to that of CPR carried out on a victim who is lying down in a fixed position.
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