Relationship between the use of the backboard and the quality of chest compressions

The effectiveness of the backboard in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) 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 (CC). To know the preference of rescuers when performing CC without or with backboard.

Methodology

Single-blind, experimental study with paired data. All staff of healthcare workers in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) performed two one-minute simulations of uninterrupted CC, one without and one with a backboard. The quality of the CC was valued: Rate, depth, complete chest release and compression, performed with and without backboard. The placement of the backboard was simply randomised at the first measurement. The subjects were unaware of the difference between the two scenarios. Participation was voluntary. Two analyses were performed with paired Student’s t-test: one analysing 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 = .008 and the percentage of compression > 50 mm (63.65 vs 76.17) P = .002. When analysing the simulation order, an increase in the frequency of CC was observed in the second measurement (131.14 vs 135.03) P = .009. Participants had no preference between the two simulations (P = .749).

Conclusions

The backboard as a hard plane increases the mean depth and percentage of chest compression during CPR 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.