OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of hand position on chest compression (CC) quality during CPR in young children.

METHODS: Prospective observational exploratory study. Patients < 8 years receiving CC for > 2 minutes were enrolled. Data was collected from video review and CC monitor device and analyzed in 'CC segments' (periods of CC by individual providers). Four techniques were compared: two thumbs (2 T), hands encircling the chest; two fingers (2F) on the sternum; one hand on sternum (1H); two hands on sternum (2H). Univariate analysis of CC rate and depth between hand positions was performed through nonparametric testing, stratified by age category.

RESULTS: 47 patients received 824 minutes of CC. Among 270 CC segments in infants < 1 yo, 2 T was used in 27%; 2F 3%; 1H 18%; 2H 26%. Among 189 CC segments in children aged 1 to 8 yo, 1H was used in 26%; 2H 74%. Across all segments, median CC rate was 117 cpm (IQR 110-125). Median depth was 2.92 cm (IQR 2.44 - 4.04) in infants < 1 yo, 3.56 cm (IQR 2.92 - 4.14) in children 1 to 8 yo. 1H achieved greater depth than 2 T in infants (p < 0.01), and 2H achieved greater depth than 1H in children > 1 (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: In infants, 1H resulted in greater CC depth than 2 T. In children 1 to 8 yo, 2H resulted in greater depth than 1H.. These data suggest that different hand position during CPR in young children from what is currently recommended may result in better CPR quality.

<p><strong>OBJECTIVES: </strong>To describe chest compression (CC) quality by individual providers in two pediatric emergency departments (EDs) using video review and compression monitor output during pediatric cardiac arrests.</p>

<p><strong>METHODS: </strong>Prospective observational study. Patients &lt;18 yo receiving CC for &gt;1 min were eligible. Data was collected from video review and CC monitor device in a synchronized fashion and reported in 'segments' by individual providers. Univariate comparison by age (&lt;1 yo, 1-8 yo, &gt;8 yo) was performed by chi-square testing for dichotomous variables ('high-quality' CPR) and nonparametric testing for continuous variables (CC rate and depth). Univariate comparison of ventilation rate (V) was made between segments with an advanced airway versus without.</p>

<p><strong>RESULTS: </strong>524 segments had data available; 42/524 (8%) met criteria for 'high-quality CC'. Patients &gt;8 yo had more segments meeting criteria (18% vs. 2% and 0.5%; p &lt; 0.001). Segments compliant for rate were less frequent in &lt;1 yo (17% vs. 24% vs. 27%; p = 0.03). Segments compliant for depth were less frequent in &lt;1 year olds and 1-8 year olds (5% and 9% vs. 20%, p &lt; 0.001.) Mean V for segments with an advanced airway was higher than with a natural airway (24 ± 18 vs. 14 ± 10 bpm, p &lt; 0.001). Hyperventilation was more prevalent in CPR segments with an advanced airway (66% vs. 32%, p &lt; 0.001).</p>

<p><strong>CONCLUSIONS: </strong>CC depth is rarely guideline compliant in infants. Hyperventilation is more prevalent during CPR periods with an advanced airway in place. Measuring individual provider CPR quality is feasible, allowing future studies to evaluate the impact of CPR training.</p>