Evaluation of the effect of shift cycle time on chest compression quality during cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Objective: Considering the potential role of shift cycle time on chest compression quality during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the available contradictory results in this regard, the present study aimed at evaluating the effect of 1-min versus 2-min shift cycle time on the quality of CPR. Materials and Methods: In this randomized crossover study, 80 rescuers performed CPR on a manikin in two scenarios with a rotation of 1 and 2-min cycles. The quality of CPR was evaluated and compared based on the information obtained regarding the chest compression depth, recoil, and rate of chest compression. In addition, rescuer fatigue was recorded in 1-min versus 2-min shift cycles. Results: In the 1-min group, the number of chest compressions per minute, complete recoil, and good rate with the mean of 114.89 ± 3.62, 54.34 ± 3.86, and 76.06 ± 8.00 were significantly higher than those of the 2-min group with the mean of 113.78 ± 4.94, 53.49 ± 5.27, and 73.98 ± 7.87 (P < 0.05), respectively. In addition, the quality of CPR provided by males was significantly higher than females in both groups. The score of rescuer fatigue was higher in the 2-min group as compared with the 1-min group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, the difference in the quality of CPR in terms of the number of chest compressions, complete recoil, and good rate was higher in the 1-min group as compared with the 2-min group. In addition, the quality of CPR in terms of chest compression depth and number in both 1-and 2-min rotation cycles was higher for male rescuers than females. Furthermore, rescuer fatigue was higher in the 2-min group as compared with the 1-min group. The mentioned finding may be a factor in reducing, albeit slightly, the quality of CPR in the group with a longer time.