Effect of wearing personal protective equipment on cardiopulmonary resuscitation: Focusing on 119 emergency medical technicians

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined the effect of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), positive airway pressure, and the posture of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) when conducting CPR. Methods: Twenty 119 EMTs performed 30:2 CPR on a manikin for 4 min. Imaging data were digitized with Kwon3D XP (version 4.0). Data were collected by analyzing the motion when starting in one cycle, such as pressing to the maximum and in the final position (relaxed), and were analyzed with SPSS 18.0. Results: The angle of the elbow joints was significantly reduced (p < .05). The trunk angle was statistically significantly (p < .01, p < .001) increased. The angular velocities of the shoulder joint and left elbow joint were reduced (p > .05). The angular velocity of the trunk was significantly reduced in the starting and maximum compression postures. The hand-escape time was increased. The average compression depth was increased but not significantly (p > .05). The positive airway pressure was reduced (p > .05). Conclusion: The angle of the elbow joints and the angular velocity of the trunk were reduced, and the angle of the trunk was increased. The success of CPR and positive airway pressure was reduced.