RATIONALE OF USING MECHANICAL COMPRESSION DEVICES FOR CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

Mohammad Noh LATIP

Emergency Department, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital, Jalan Putera

Muhtadee Billah, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam BA1712.

ABSTRACT

In the event of a cardiopulmonary arrest, performing high quality chest compression during resuscitation is vital in improving patient outcome. Mechanical chest compression devices are widely used during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with the aim of improving quality of chest compressions delivered. Benefits of using mechanical chest compression devices include delivering more consistent chest compressions as well as being able to deliver chest compressions safely when in a moving ambulance. However, with the use of mechanical CPR devices there is the risk of CPR pauses when having to adjust the device correctly on patients. There is also an increased risk of bone and soft tissue injuries to patients. During the COVID 19 pandemic, the American Heart Association (AHA) has introduced recommendations for the usage of mechanical CPR devices in order to reduce the number of healthcare workers involvement and exposure during CPR process. The AHA has also recommended that healthcare workers be properly trained to ensure chest compressions delivered are accurate, continuous, and also safe for both healthcare workers and patients.

Keywords: Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, COVID-19, Emergency Medicine, Mechanical chest compression.

Correspondence: Dr Mohammad Noh Hj Latip, Emergency Department, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital, Jalan Putera Muhtadee Billah, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam BA1712.

Telephone: 8815333; Email: mdnoh145@gmail.com

Brunei Int Med J.2021;17:153-156