The Effect of a Mechanical Compression Device and Supraglottic Airway on Flow Time: A Simulation Study of Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest in a High-Rise Building

High-rise buildings present unique challenges to providing high-quality CPR. We investigated the efect of using a mechanical compressor and supraglottic airway on fow time and CPR quality in simulated cardiac arrests occurring within a high-rise building. Twelve teams of EMS providers performed CPR according to 4 scenarios: manual compression and ventilation through bagvalve-mask (MAB) or supraglottic airway (MAS); mechanical compression and ventilation through bag-valve-mask (MEB) or supraglottic airway (MES). Chest compression indices did not difer signifcantly among the groups. Te mechanical compression groups had a higher fow time fraction from exiting the elevator until the manikin was loaded into the ambulance than the manual compression groups. Te supraglottic airway groups had higher fow time fractions from entering the elevator until the end of the scenario than the bag-valve-mask groups. Te total fow time fraction was lowest in the MAB group and was highest in the MEB group (P < 0.001). In simulated cardiac arrest in a high-rise building, the use of a supraglottic airway maintained fow time at a level similar to that observed with the use of a mechanical compressor. Moreover, the use of a mechanical compressor and a supraglottic airway increased the fow time most efectively.