CPR Overview

Focused on CPR Quality

High-quality CPR improves survival from cardiac arrest, and rescuers need to “maximize the quality of CPR” to save more lives.1,2

High-quality CPR Defined

High quality means providing compressions at the proper depth and rate, making sure not to lean on the chest, and keeping interruptions to an absolute minimum. In its 2015 Guidelines, the American Heart Association and the European Resuscitation Council identify five critical components required to provide high-quality CPR:

  • Compression rate of 100–120 per minute
  • Compression depth of 2–2.4 inches (5–6 centimeters)
  • Avoid leaning on the chest to allow for full recoil after each compression
  • Minimize pauses in compressions (chest compression fraction > 60%)
  • Avoid excessive ventilation (2 breaths/30 compressions without advanced airway; 10 breaths/minute with advanced airway)

Tools to Improve CPR Performance

Rescuers at every experience level need assistance when delivering CPR. Systems, both in and out of the hospital, that have focused on improving their CPR quality and have incorporated ZOLL technology, have doubled the odds of survival.3,4

The Real CPR Help® technology on ZOLL’s AEDs (automated external defibrillators) and professional defibrillators assists lay rescuers and health care professionals alike in delivering high-quality CPR. Real CPR Help provides visual and audio feedback that guides rescuers to deliver CPR compressions fast enough and deep enough to save a life.

X Series CPR Dashboard screen

On ZOLL’s professional defibrillators, the CPR Dashboard™ displays detailed information, including the rate and depth of every compression and whether full release is being achieved. In addition, See-Thru CPR® technology filters out compression artifact so that the patient’s underlying heart rhythm can be displayed during CPR, minimizing the duration of pauses. And through Real CPR Help technology, all of the key data from the rescue effort is recorded and can be easily accessed for post-event debriefing and training.

High-quality CPR for as Long as It Takes

CPR can sometimes be required for an extended period. If the quality of CPR provided is good enough, data now show that patients can survive long-duration CPR with good neurologic function. The AutoPulse® Resuscitation System never gets tired because it provides mechanical CPR. Whether the CPR is manual or mechanical, the goal is a good outcome for the patient. ZOLL is committed to helping all rescuers: lay people, EMS professionals, and hospital-based caregivers perform high-quality CPR. It’s what patients deserve.