Evaluation of a Novel Basic Life Support Method in Simulated Microgravity

Abstract

The ER method can provide adequate depth and rate of ECC in simulated microgravity for 3 min to allow time to deploy a medical restraint system. There is, however, a physiological cost associated with it and a need to use the flexion of the arms to compensate for the lack of weight.

Extraterrestrial CPR and Its Applications in Terrestrial Medicine

“…Initial parabolic flight and ground-based simulation data showed the ER method as delivering an adequate rate and depth of chest compressions, although this was according to the 2005 resuscitation guidelines [5,42]. More recent data from ground-based simulations, using the updated 2010 guidelines, demonstrated that rescuers using the ER method fell slightly below par in terms of depth of compression but were able to maintain an adequate rate [45,47].…”

“…A safety carabineer was also attached to the volunteer's back. Figure 3(A) and (B) illustrates how CPR methods can be studied during microgravity simulations on Earth [5]. Another way to simulate microgravity for the performance of CPR is placing the mannequin in the vertical position supported by a wall, which avoids the use of the rescuer body weight during the external chest compressions, as represented in Figure 4.…”

“…When thinking about the technique of terrestrial CPR, with the rescuer accelerating their chest and upper body to generate a force to compress the patient's chest, it is obvious that this cannot work in microgravity without significant aids. To this end, several microgravity CPR techniques have been developed and tested in parabolic flights [4,42,43] and during ground simulations, such as when using a body suspension device system, to test their efficacy [5,44,45].…”

“…The terrestrial method of performing CPR has not changed significantly since it was first implemented, the locked straight-arm method with the rescuer accelerating their chest to generate the force needed to compress the victim's chest. Other aspects of the BLS guidelines often change and evolve as new evidence emerges, one example being the Chain of Survival, which has recently been updated [3]: (1) immediate recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system, (2) early CPR with an emphasis on chest compressions, (3) rapid defibrillation, (4) effective advanced life support and (5) integrated post-cardiac arrest care [4][5][6].…”

Reduced-gravity Environment Hardware Demonstrations of a Prototype Miniaturized Flow Cytometer and Companion Microfluidic Mixing Technology

“…Evaluation is challenging because flight opportunities are limited, repetitive short windows of microgravity can make it difficult to assess methodologies or processes that normally require uninterrupted periods longer than 20-40 sec, and demonstrations may require additional equipment not easily utilized in-flight [12][13][14][15] . Furthermore, previous demonstrations of in vitro diagnostic (IVD) technologies used in, or designed for, reduced gravity are limited and much work remains unpublished.…”