ANALYSIS OF CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION SKILLS IN AN EMERGENCY SERVICE

Abstract

Introduction. Cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in Europe, reaching 40% of the cause of death in individuals under 75 years of age and morbidity of individuals. Quality chest compressions are essential when performing CPR with results that improve the morbidity and mortality of patients. 

Objectives. To evaluate the influence of training in the soil to perform later on different surfaces. 

Methodology. Quasi-experimental study carried out in the Emergency Service of the A Coruña University Hospital to the medical and nursing staff of the service (28 professionals). 

Results. There was an improvement in the skills of chest and ventilatory compressions that was not significant, except for the variable average depth reached during chest compressions [52.69 (SD: 6.81) vs 43.80 (SD: 6.67) (p = 0.002). This means that the participants achieved a lower average depth during the chest compressions performed on the stretcher. 

Conclusions. Soil training is a reliable method for acquiring the skills necessary to perform cardiac massage. There are significant differences in the quality and frequency of chest compressions performed on the floor and on the stretcher, which was observed at a lower depth reached in the group that performed the chest compressions on the stretcher.