Spotlight on Research

Many paramedics will have raised their eyebrows upon entering the scene of a cardiac arrest to find bystanders performing chest compressions while the patient is lying supine on a springy mattress. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines generally instruct bystanders to move patients to the floor before commencing CPR. However, this is not always feasible, and previous research has shown that bystanders are less likely to perform any CPR where they encounter a repositioning challenge. It is important to establish the impact of chest compressions on a bed versus on the floor for situations where the patient cannot be moved.

This prospective, randomised, cross-over trial compared lay bystander compression quality using a manikin on a bed versus the floor. Participants, including adults without professional healthcare training, were invited via a study-specific webpage on the University of Michigan Research portal. Participants were randomised to the order of manikin placement, either on a mattress or on the floor, and were instructed to perform 2 minutes of chest compressions on a CPR manikin.