• Henrik Fischer, Bernhard Zapletal, Stephanie Neuhold, Kurt Rützler, Tatjana Fleck, Sophie Frantal, Lorenz Theiler, Dominik Stumpf, Christof Havel, and Robert Greif.
• Department of Anesthesia, General Intensive Care and Pain Control, Division of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Vienna, Austria.
• Acad Emerg Med. 2012 Nov 1;19(11):1242-7.

ObjectivesThe goal of this experimental study was to investigate rescuer exertion when using "Animax," a manually operated hand-powered mechanical resuscitation device (MRD) for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), compared to standard basic life support (BLS).MethodsThis was a prospective, open, randomized, crossover simulation study. After being trained, 80 medical students with substantial knowledge in BLS performed one-rescuer CPR using either the MRD or the standard BLS for 12-minute intervals in random order. The main outcome parameter was the heart rate pressure product (RPP) as an index of cardiac work. Secondary outcome parameters were physical exhaustion quantified by the Borg scale (measurement of perceived exertion), Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT; measurement of fine motor skills), and capillary lactate concentration during testing.ResultsWhile no significant difference could be found for the RPP, a significantly increased mean heart rate during the final minute of standard BLS compared to the MRD was found (139 ± 22 beats/min vs. 135 ± 26 beats/min, p = 0.027). By contrast, subjective exertion using the MRD was rated significantly higher on the Borg scale (15.1 ± 2.4 vs. 14.6 ± 2.6, p = 0.027). Mean serum lactate concentration was significantly higher when the MRD was used compared to standard BLS (3.4 ± 1.5 mmol/L vs. 2.1 ± 1.3 mmol/L, p ≤ 0.001).ConclusionsUse of the MRD leads to a RPP of the rescuers comparable to standard BLS. These findings suggest that there is no clinically relevant reduction of exertion if this MRD is used by a single rescuer. If this kind of MRD is used for CPR, frequent changeovers with a second rescuer should be considered as the guidelines suggest for standard CPR.© 2012 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine.

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