Despite the knowledge that minimizing interruptions in chest compressions during CPR is key to maintaing coronary perfusion pressure and chance of ROSC,^1-4 difficulties in limiting hands-off time remain. 

Dewolf et al.⁵ recently performed a prospective observational study using body cameras to find that 33% (623/1867) of their CPR interruptions were longer than the recommended 10 seconds:

• 51.6% Rhythm/pulse checks
• 11.1% Installation/use mechanical CPR device
•   6.7% Manual CPR provider switch
•   6.2% ETT placement

Previous studies have shown an increase in hands-off time associated with the use of cardiac POCUS during rhythm checks as well.^6,7

 

Bottom Line:

• Physicians must be mindful of hands-off time to improve their chance of obtaining ROSC, minimizing each CPR interruption to <10 seconds, and maintaining a hands-on time (also known as chest compression fraction) of >80%. 
• Change your pulse check to a rhythm check utilizing arterial line placement, end-tidal monitoring, or US/doppler at the femoral artery in order to minimize the search for a pulse as a reason for prolonged CPR interruption.
• Consider having someone on the team count the seconds out loud during pauses so the entire team is aware of the interruption time and will recognize when CPR needs to be resumed.

 

References

1. Niemann JT, Rosborough JP, Ung S, Criley JM. Coronary perfusion pressure during experimental cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Ann Emerg Med. 1982;11:127–31.
2. Paradis NA, Martin GB, Rivers EP, et al. Coronary perfusion pressure and the return of spontaneous circulation in human cardiopulmonary resuscitation. JAMA. 1990;263:1106–13.
3. Christenson J, Andrusiek D, Everson-Stewart S, et al; Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium Investigators. Chest compression fraction determines survival in patients with out-of-hospital ventricular fibrillation. Circulation. 2009;120:1241–7. 
4. Vaillancourt C, Everson-Stewart S, Christenson J, et al; Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium Investigators. The impact of increased chest compression fraction on return of spontaneous circulation for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients not in ventricular fibrillation. Resuscitation. 2011;82:1501–7.
5. Dewolf P, Wauters L, Clarebout G, et al. Assessment of chest compression interruptions during advanced cardiac life support. Resuscitation. Available July 6, 2021. Epub ahead of print. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resuscitation.2021.06.022
6. Huis In 't Veld MA, Allison MG, Bostick DS, et al. Ultrasound use during cardiopulmonary resuscitation is associated with delays in chest compressions. Resuscitation. 2017 Oct;119:95-98. doi: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2017.07.021
7. Clattenburg EJ, Wroe P, Brown S, et al. Point-of-care ultrasound use in patients with cardiac arrest is associated prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation pauses: A prospective cohort study. Resuscitation. 2018 Jan;122:65-68. doi: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2017.