Improving CPR Performance

• High-quality CPR is the cornerstone of successfull resuscitation from cardiac arrest.
• In fact, high-quality CPR is considered the most important intervention for achieving ROSC and good neurologic recovery.
• Pearls for optimizing CPR performance include:
  • Use a team-focused approach
  • Avoid leaning and ensure complete recoil of the chest
  • Target a chest compression fraction of at least 60%
  • Use POCUS, but pay attention to the duration of hands-off time
  • Target ETCO2 of > 20 mm Hg

References

Nassar BS, et al. Improving CPR performance. Chest. 2017. {epub ahead of print] 

Jentzer JC, et al. Improving survival from cardiac arrest: A review of contemporary practice and challenges. Ann Emerg Med. 2016; 68:678-89.