When a person suffers cardiac arrest, a quick response with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can increase their chances of survival. However, it is difficult for non-medical professionals to know if they are performing chest compressions correctly and consistently. A chest compression feedback device monitors a number of variables during CPR to give rescuers real-time information about their performance. It can help them optimize the depth, rate, hand positioning and chest recoil of their manual compressions and provide immediate visual or audible feedback on these parameters. A chest compression feedback device monitor is also known as an instrumented directive feedback device.
Getting the depth of your chest compressions right is crucial for successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation. If your hands are too far apart or are not positioned on the sternum, the chest cannot be compressed to the right depth. This results in the heart not being adequately pumped and blood is not flowing to the brain and lungs. Similarly, if your chest is not allowed to fully recoil between each compression, the heart cannot refill with oxygen and your compressions may become too shallow or too slow. Chest compression feedback devices are designed to alert you if your chest is not being properly refilled between each compression and help you perform correct chest compressions.
As a result, medical personnel, first responders and even onlookers can improve their performance and save lives with the help of these simple yet effective gadgets. As a training aid, these devices can enhance the confidence of those who are new to CPR by helping them learn and practice proper technique with a clear understanding of their own CPR performance.