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Emerg Med J 2009;26:807-810 doi:10.1136/emj.2008.068965
  • Original Article

Effects of bed height on the performance of chest compressions

  1. J Cho1,
  2. J H Oh2,
  3. Y S Park1,
  4. I C Park1,
  5. S P Chung1
  1. 1
    Department of Emergency Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
  2. 2
    Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
  1. Correspondence to Dr J H Oh, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), BioMedical Research Center (E7) 2103, 335 Gwahangno, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 305-701, Republic of Korea; jehyeok.oh{at}gmail.com
  • Accepted 8 March 2009

Abstract

Objectives: The correct chest compression technique was emphasised to enhance the result of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the 2005 guidelines. The present study compared the effects of different bed heights, including a bed at knee height, on the performance of chest compressions.

Methods: Twenty-four healthcare providers participated in this study. Knee height was defined as the baseline bed height. Bed heights were adjusted to 10 and 20 cm above the baseline and 10 and 20 cm below the baseline. At the five bed heights, chest compressions were performed for 2 minutes, and the compression rate was maintained at 100 per minute, with audible feedback.

Results: The mean compression depths (MCD) were 28.3 mm (SD 10.7; knee height +20 cm), 32.3 mm (SD 9.2; knee height +10 cm), 32.7 mm (SD 8.5; knee height), 32.3 mm (SD 9.0; knee height −10 cm) and 31.1 mm (SD 8.5; knee height −20 cm). The MCD was significantly lower at knee height plus 20 cm (p<0.001).

Conclusion: The performance of chest compressions decreased when the bed height was 20 cm higher than the knee height of the rescuer.

Footnotes

  • The first two authors contributed equally to this work.

  • Competing interests None.

  • Provenance and Peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.

Responses to this article

  • Re:Effects of bed height on the performance of chest compressions- Clinical application of results
    • Je Hyeok Oh,
    • Junho Cho
    Emerg Med J published online December 7, 2010
  • Effects of bed height on the performance of chest compressions- Clinical application of results
    • PB Sherren
    Emerg Med J published online April 14, 2010

Relevant Article

  • Primary survey: Primary survey Emerg Med J 2009;26:765 doi:10.1136/emj.2009.085290

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