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Yesterday we were all trained in the use of two new devices for CPR. Our protocols have us now backboarding / C-Collaring all CPR patients, applying a plunger-like device to their chest, and another to the BVM. We are then to do CPR in the field for 30 minutes prior to transporting in the ambulance. This in a county where we are always 10 minutes away from a hospital. Let me explain.
This device looks like a plunger two two handles and a metronome. We apply this device, and it forms a suction to a patient's chest. CPR is then started, but instead of just pushing down, we are also to pull so there is no pressure on the device. They think this greatly improves the CPR process. This is to go on for 30 minutes before we begin transport. I'd say 75% of the crew, even the most buff guys, got tired after two minutes.
Picture:
Then a ResQ device goes on the BVM or ET tube, and that has little lights on it too. It flashes 12 times a minute, and that's when we squeeze. For BLS without an ET tube, we are to strictly do 15-2.
The reasoning behind this is as follows:
- Many in EMS are severly limiting CPR by hyperventilating pts. Studies show that most do 30 breaths per minute, which is "lethal" (they're already dead right?)
- Most in EMS do not come off the chest when doing CPR. This study shows that CPR in an ambulance, unless someone is sitting behind the person holding them up, is completely useless. They argue that the recoil, or allowing the chest to rise, is just as important to the compressions. We now do CPR lifting slightly off the checst with every compression.
They did studies on pigs and in other regions, and found this to be extremely helpful. It's absolutely traumatic to watch, but I'd like to see it actually done in the field.
Anyone heard about this?
Edit: Link to ResQ-Valve:
http://www.vidyya.com/vol6/v6i313_6.htm
This device looks like a plunger two two handles and a metronome. We apply this device, and it forms a suction to a patient's chest. CPR is then started, but instead of just pushing down, we are also to pull so there is no pressure on the device. They think this greatly improves the CPR process. This is to go on for 30 minutes before we begin transport. I'd say 75% of the crew, even the most buff guys, got tired after two minutes.
Picture:
Then a ResQ device goes on the BVM or ET tube, and that has little lights on it too. It flashes 12 times a minute, and that's when we squeeze. For BLS without an ET tube, we are to strictly do 15-2.
The reasoning behind this is as follows:
- Many in EMS are severly limiting CPR by hyperventilating pts. Studies show that most do 30 breaths per minute, which is "lethal" (they're already dead right?)
- Most in EMS do not come off the chest when doing CPR. This study shows that CPR in an ambulance, unless someone is sitting behind the person holding them up, is completely useless. They argue that the recoil, or allowing the chest to rise, is just as important to the compressions. We now do CPR lifting slightly off the checst with every compression.
They did studies on pigs and in other regions, and found this to be extremely helpful. It's absolutely traumatic to watch, but I'd like to see it actually done in the field.
Anyone heard about this?
Edit: Link to ResQ-Valve:
http://www.vidyya.com/vol6/v6i313_6.htm
