A cardiopulmonary resuscitation assist device improves pediatric resuscitation algorithm adherence: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background: Most widely used cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) assist devices only focus on chest compression (CC), without accounting for CPR algorithms. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a novel CPR assist device (XXX-CPR Helper) in improving resuscitation algorithm adherence in simulated pediatric cardiac arrest. Methods: A single blind randomized controlled trial was conducted using a pediatric simulation-based method among 30 resuscitation teams (113 medical students). The teams were randomized into an intervention or control group. The intervention group used the new CPR Helper during the simulation. All events and measurements were recorded using the SimView™ program. Adherence to the standard pediatric CPR algorithm was assessed using four criteria: average CC rate of 100–120/min, 2-min CC and pulse check cycle, first defibrillation given within 1 min, and administration of first adrenaline dose within 3 min after CC initiation. This trial is registered with Thaiclinicaltrials.org, TCTR20230717001.(registered on 17 July 2023) Results: The percentage of teams achieving all four criteria was significantly higher in the intervention than in the control group (28.6% versus 0%, p = 0.042). The percentage of teams with a CC rate of 100–120/min was significantly higher in the intervention group (93.3% versus 40%, p = 0.005). However, there was no significant difference in the average CC rate between the groups (109 versus 105, p = 0.203). Conclusion: The XXX-CPR Helper is an effective CPR assist device, as it can improve adherence to the CPR algorithm, especially among inexperienced resuscitators.