Efficacy of Alternative Chest Compression Methods Performed by Small Rescuers

Effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) requires rescuers to use their body weight to provide sufficiently deep chest compressions for a prolonged time. Young/small children are unable to perform effective chest compressions due to their weight. Currently, there is no alternative CPR method for those who are too small. The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of conventional and alternate chest compression methods performed by children.

This study enrolled subjects aged 5 to 15 years old and taught them to perform standard CPR using an American Heart Association instructional video. Subjects' sex, age, weight, and height were recorded. Depth-sensing defibrillator pads were used to electronically measure chest compression rate, depth, and release on a manikin for 2 minutes. Those unable to successfully perform conventional chest compressions were taught alternative methods of jumping and squat bouncing on the manikin's chest.

A total of 114 subjects aged 5 to 15 were enrolled. Subjects weighing <26±2 kg were generally unable to perform sufficient conventional compressions. Linear regression analysis showed a positive correlation ( R2 = 0.36) between weight and compression depth. However, all subjects who could not perform sufficient conventional compressions could perform compressions using the alternative methods of jumping and squat bouncing on the manikin.

Conventional chest compression efficacy declines when rescuers are <26±2 kg, but those who could not provide sufficient conventional chest compressions were able to perform compressions using jumping and/or squat bouncing for 2 minutes of resuscitation in this manikin model.