This study aims to determine whether the British Heart Foundation PocketCPR training application can improve the depth and rate of chest compression and therefore be confidently recommended for bystander use. A total of 118 candidates were recruited into a randomised crossover manikin trial. Each candidate performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation for 2 min without instruction or performed chest compressions using the PocketCPR application. Candidates then performed a further 2 min of cardiopulmonary resuscitation within the opposite arm. The number of chest compressions performed improved when PocketCPR was used compared to chest compressions when it was not (44.28% vs 40.57%, p < 0.001). The number of chest compressions performed to the required depth was higher in the PocketCPR group (90.86 vs 66.26). The British Heart Foundation PocketCPR application improved the percentage of chest compressions that were performed to the required depth. Despite this, more work is required in order to develop a feedback device that can improve bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation without creating delay.
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EDITOR'S COMMENT: The following article highlights the very sad circumstances surrounding the suicide of a colleague earlier in the year. We received the text below from Paul Hood as a submission to 'Letters to the editor' for the BDJ and reproduce it here in full. My initial reaction was that the letter contained sentiments and thoughts that would resonate with readers but that it over long for our pages and needed some general 'tidying up' before we could publish it. I replied by e-mail suggesting this and offering editorial help if he wished. Very sadly I did not receive a reply as Paul had committed suicide. Subsequently John Renshaw contacted me and suggested that we might publish the letter together with an introduction. We do this, with full, and gratefully received, permission from Paul's widow, to whom we also extend our sincere condolences.
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