How Strong CPR and the Progetti Chest-E.R. Boost Survival

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is one of the leading causes of death in the UK. While defibrillation is crucial in restoring the heart’s normal rhythm, its success largely depends on the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) performed alongside it. Strong, continuous CPR can significantly improve survival rates, while weak or poorly performed CPR diminishes the effectiveness of defibrillation.

Why Defibrillation Alone Isn’t Enough

Defibrillation delivers an electric shock to the heart to restore its normal rhythm during cardiac arrest. However, when applied without immediate and high-quality CPR, survival rates drop dramatically. According to the Resuscitation Council UK, for every minute that passes without CPR, a patient’s chance of survival declines by 7-10%. CPR sustains oxygenated blood flow to the brain and heart while waiting for defibrillation, ensuring vital organs are protected. Learn more about the features of our defibrillators by reading our product guide.

This means that CPR is not just a backup; it plays an active role in ensuring defibrillation is successful. High-quality CPR primes the heart for defibrillation by circulating oxygenated blood, helping maintain essential pressure within the body.

Strong CPR: Increasing Defibrillation Success

Strong CPR is characterised by compressions that are 5-6 cm deep, delivered at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. These compressions must be consistent and uninterrupted to keep blood circulating effectively. Research from CPR BLS Pros shows that performing high-quality CPR before defibrillation can drastically improve the chance of survival. In fact, return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), a key indicator of resuscitation success, is more likely when strong CPR is delivered.

Studies indicate that performing high-quality CPR before defibrillation can increase survival rates by up to 50%. These findings highlight the importance of maintaining the right compression rate, depth, and minimising interruptions. Strong CPR also keeps the heart’s coronary perfusion pressure, the pressure that supplies blood to the heart itself — at an optimal level, making the heart more likely to respond to a defibrillation shock.

In many cases, strong CPR has resulted in significantly higher survival rates, as supported by studies on out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA), where patients receiving strong CPR before defibrillation have shown far better outcomes.

Weak CPR: A Lower Chance of Survival

When CPR is poorly performed, with compressions that are shallow, slow, or interrupted; the chances of survival drop dramatically. Weak CPR means that blood is not being circulated efficiently, depriving the brain and heart of vital oxygen. This not only reduces the immediate chances of survival but also diminishes the effectiveness of defibrillation.

Research shows that weak or inconsistent CPR can lead to a survival rate as low as 9%. When compressions fail to maintain adequate coronary perfusion pressure, defibrillation becomes much less likely to succeed. This is a serious issue in emergency situations, where bystanders or even trained professionals might struggle to maintain the necessary level of CPR over extended periods.

Fatigue, stress, and lack of confidence in performing strong CPR can lead to weaker efforts. In situations like these, even the best defibrillator can be less effective. Therefore, ensuring that those who perform CPR are properly trained and confident in their ability is essential. Find more about CPR techniques on the American Heart Association’s website.

How the Progetti Chest-E.R. Device Can Improve Survival Rates

One of the most effective ways to guarantee high-quality CPR in an emergency is by using a mechanical device. The Progetti Chest-E.R. Chest Emergency Reanimation Device is designed to maintain consistent, high-quality compressions, delivering CPR at the correct depth and rate every time. In cardiac arrest situations, this level of precision is critical.

This device eliminates human fatigue, which is a common issue when performing manual CPR over extended periods. When rescuers tire, compressions tend to become shallower and slower, compromising the quality of CPR. The Progetti Chest-E.R. ensures that compressions are maintained at the optimal rate of 100-120 per minute and at the proper depth, giving the patient the best possible chance of survival.

The benefits of the Progetti Chest-E.R. go beyond maintaining CPR consistency. It also reduces interruptions in compressions, which is essential for keeping oxygen circulating. Studies have shown that continuous, uninterrupted CPR increases the chances of ROSC. The Progetti Chest-E.R. keeps compressions going strong, even when manual efforts may falter, improving overall outcomes for patients who experience sudden cardiac arrest.

By using this device, healthcare professionals and trained bystanders alike can perform CPR at a level that dramatically increases survival rates. When paired with timely defibrillation, the chances of a successful rescue are significantly higher. The device is ideal for workplaces, public areas, or any environment where access to life-saving tools is critical.

 

Strong CPR Saves Lives:

The combination of strong CPR and timely defibrillation is the most effective way to save lives during sudden cardiac arrest. Weak CPR or defibrillation alone cannot deliver the necessary outcomes, but with proper training and the right tools, such as the Progetti Chest-E.R., survival rates can improve significantly. Public awareness and training in CPR, along with access to high-quality devices, are crucial steps in reducing deaths from cardiac arrest.

To learn more about the Progetti Chest-E.R. and other life-saving devices, visit our wide range of products designed to improve emergency response and ensure the best possible outcomes during cardiac events.