Relación entre el uso de la tabla de parada cardiaca y la calidad de las compresiones torácicas

The effectiveness of the backboard in cardiopulmonary resuscitation has not been established although it is recommended to perform compressions on a firm surface.

Objectives

To determine the relationship between the use of the backboard and the depth of chest compressions. To know the preference of rescuers when performing chest compressions without or with backboard.

Methodology

Single-blind, experimental study with paired data. All staff of healthcare workers in the Intensive Care Unit performed 2 one-minute simulations of uninterrupted chest compressions, one without and one with a backboard. The quality of the chest compressions was valued: Rate, depth, complete chest release and compression, performed with and without backboard. The placement of the backboard was simply randomized at the first measurement. The subjects were unaware of the difference between the 2 scenarios. Participation was voluntary. Two analyzes were performed with paired Student's t-test: one analyzing the order of measurement and the other in relation to the presence or absence of the backboard.

Results

Seventy-one workers (87.6%) of the staff participated. The presence of the backboard was associated with an increase in the average depth (47.99 mm vs. 48.99 mm, P = 0.008 and the percentage of compression > 50 mm (63.65 vs. 76.17, P = 0.002. When analyzing the simulation order, an increase in the frequency of chest compressions was observed in the second measurement (131.14 vs. 135.03, P = 0.009). Participants had no preference between the 2 simulations (P = 0.749).

Conclusions

The backboard as a hard plane increases the mean depth and percentage of chest compression during cardiopulmonary resuscitation on hospital mattress without affecting complete chest release or rate. The rescuers do not perceive the presence of the backboard, and there is not preference in its execution without or with a backboard.