A Comparison of Two Stool Positions for Stabilizing a Dental Chair During CPR

Abstract

Objective: Most dental chairs lack sufficient stability to perform effective manual chest compression (MCC) during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). A stabilizing stool can significantly reduce backrest vertical displacement in all chair types; however, a severely curved exterior backrest may negatively impact the stool's effectiveness. This study evaluated the efficacy of 2 stool positions for stabilizing a dental chair during MCC. Methods: Chest compressions were performed on a manikin positioned in a dental chair while vertical displacement of the chair backrest during MCC was recorded using video and measured. Vertical displacement data were captured with no stool and with a stabilizing stool in 2 different positions. Reduction ratios were calculated to evaluate the effectiveness of the 2 stool positions. Results: With no stool, the backrest median (interquartile range) vertical displacement during chest compressions was 16.5 (2.5) mm as compared with 12.0 (1.5) mm for the stabilizing stool positioned under the area of MCC and 8.5 (1.0) mm under the shoulders. The stool positioned under the shoulders produced a significantly increased calculated reduction ratio of 48% (14%) compared with 27% (20%) under the area of MCC (P < .001). Conclusions: Positioning a stabilizing stool under the shoulders was more effective at reducing vertical displacement of the dental chair backrest during chest compressions than positioning the stool under the area of MCC.

The impact of the dental chair stabilization method on chest compressions

“…The super cial edge of the stool's seat was set to vertically contact the backrest under the shoulders. 14,17 A cloth covered the side of the dental chair backrest so that participants could not see whether a stool is in place (with) or not (without).…”

“…[10][11][12] We previously reported on a method to reduce the vertical displacement of the dental chair during chest compressions. 13,14 This method stabilizes the dental chair by placing a stool under the backrest of the dental chair, reclining the dental chair, and bringing the stool into contact with the backrest. This method is recommended in the 2015 and 2021 European Resuscitation Council (ERC) guidelines.…”

Comparison of different methods of more effective chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the dental chair

“… 1. , 2. This technique is intended to provide greater stability by reclining the dental chair and placing a stool under the backrest so that it is in contact with the back of the chair.…”

“…For dental chairs with a heavily curved back outline, a stool placed under the shoulder compared to under the manual chest compression site significantly reduced vertical displacement, resulting in a large reduction ratio. 2 However, that study was based on only one type of dental chair.…”