Cardio Compression Control Device: Development, Calibration and Testing

Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving first aid which is part of the treatment given in case of sudden cardiac death. According to the American Heart Association (AHA) 2005 Guidelines for CPR, there are three key components related to the chest compressions which should be considered: (i) optimal compression depth between 3.8 and 5.4 centimeters; (ii) optimal compression rate between 85 and 115 compressions per minute; (iii) complete chest recoil by releasing all pressure from the chest after each chest compression (CC).A device for automatic control of the quality of chest compressions during CPR was developed. It embedded hardware and software solutions for simultaneous measurement of the depth, rate and the chest recoil thus providing a feedback about the efficiency of the cardiac massage at each CC compression. The system is applicable as a training device for basic education in CPR or as a consulting system for rescuers on the scene of the cardiac incident. The accuracy of the CC Device was adjusted by theoretical and experimental calibration, and tested by planned experiments, as well as experiments with a medical team.