The physiologic response of CPR training

Abstract

Study objective: To determine the physiologic response of CPR training.

Design: Cardiovascular and ventilatory parameters were investigated during 40 minutes of CPR performance and during a maximum exercise test in seven female and nine male subjects (mean age, 30 years; range, 16 to 49 years).

Results: During CPR performance, mean oxygen consumption (0.36 +/- 0.10 L/min), and mean minute volume (21.9 +/- 6.0 L/min) were 16% and 26%, respectively, of the levels reached during a maximum exercise test. Systolic blood pressure (153 +/- 23 mm Hg) and heart rate (132 +/- 25 beats/min) were 75% and 73%, respectively, of the levels reached during a maximum exercise test. Serum lactate levels at rest and after CPR performance were not significantly different (1.08 +/- 0.99 vs 1.54 +/- 1.03 mEq/L). Valsalva reflex remained present throughout total CPR time at varying degrees depending on individual differences in CPR technique (eg, incomplete extension of the manikin's head, holding the breath during chest compression).

Conclusion: CPR performance seems to be a primarily aerobic effort that induces changes in cardiorespiratory parameters that were reasonably well tolerated by our study population.