Use of supplemental oxygen during bystander-initiated CPR.

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of three methods by which rescuers can breathe supplemental oxygen to increase their delivered oxygen concentration (FDO2) during single-rescuer, bystander-initiated CPR.

DESIGN

Controlled, randomized, crossover study.

SETTING

Simulation in laboratory setting using a CPR manikin.

SUBJECTS

Thirteen-volunteer convenience sample group.

INTERVENTIONS

Volunteers trained only in basic life support performed ventilation only and full CPR on a CPR manikin using room air and each of three supplemental oxygen delivery methods: nasal cannula, oxygen supply tube, and demand valve. The volunteers received minimal instruction on how to use the supplemental oxygen delivery methods.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Peak FDO2 and peak carbon dioxide concentration; American Heart Association-defined ventilation and CPR compression performance indices. The data were analyzed using Duncan's method of analysis of variance.

RESULTS

The mean peak FDO2 during ventilation-only/full CPR for the baseline (room air ventilation) and each supplemental oxygen delivery method (at specified flow rate) was: baseline (room air), -17.96% +/- 0.56%/16.77% +/- 0.56%; nasal cannula (at 10 L/min), -31.77% +/- 3.06%/27.01% +/- 3.68%; oxygen supply tubing (at 15 L/min), -36.82% +/- 9.93%/30.41% +/- 4.88%; and demand valve, -78.17% +/- 9.10%/68.22% +/- 7.10%. CPR performance was not hampered by the use of the supplemental oxygen methods.

CONCLUSION

The use of supplemental oxygen increases the rescuer's FDO2 during ventilation-only and full CPR without interfering with CPR performance.