Effect of level D personal protective equipment on chest compression for pre-hospital arrest patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 : A randomized crossover simulation trial

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine how the use of level D personal protective equipment (PPE) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) feedback equipment affects chest compression (CC). Furthermore, this study provides basic data for developing Korean CPR guidelines that can be applied to patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Methods: This randomized, single-blinded, crossover simulation trial included 26 student paramedics who performed 2-minute chest compressions using three different methods: Method A involved performing traditional CC for two minutes without donning level D PPE, Method B involved performing CC while donning level D PPE, and Method C involved performing CC with a CPR feedback device while donning level D PPE. Results: The use of a CPR feedback device during the 2-minute CC increased the exercise intensity of the subjects, but donning level D PPE didn't affect the quality of CC and the exercise intensity. The results of methods A and B showed changes in the quality of compression 80 seconds after the start of CC. No significant changes occurred in 2-minute CC when using the CPR feedback device. Conclusion: Using a CPR feedback device could prevent deterioration in the quality of CC while donning level D PPE.

코로나19 의심 또는 확진 환자가 병원 밖 심정지 발생 시 구조자의 개인 보호장비(PPE) 착용에 의한 가슴압박 효과 비교 : 무작위 교차 시뮬레이션 연구