Abstract
The objective of this study was to measure the force exerted by 83 trained CPR rescuers and 104 untrained adult laypersons (college students and staff). A bathroom scale was used to measure the force exerted by these subjects with their hands on the bathroom scale in the CPR position. The weight range for both groups was the same. Of the trained rescuers, 60% pressed with more than 125 lbs, whereas only 37% of the laypersons pressed with more than 125 lbs. In view of the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines (2000) to depress the chest 1.5 to 2 inches, which requires 100–125 lbs, it would appear that most laypersons do not exert enough force for effective CPR.
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Acknowledgment
The authors wish to thank Kevin Ply, deputy chief of the Purdue University fire department and the others from environmental fire departments for participating in this study. All participants including the college students and staff were volunteers.
Supported by the Purdue University TRASK Fund.
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Geddes, L.A., Boland, M.K., Taleyarkhan, P.R. et al. Chest Compression Force of Trained and Untrained CPR Rescuers. Cardiovasc Eng 7, 47–50 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10558-007-9029-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10558-007-9029-5