THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RATE OF CHEST COMPRESSION AND COMPRESSION RELAXATION RATIO/

One of the arguments put forward in support of a relatively fast rate of chest compression during CPR, is that it facilitates the achievemen t of a high compression:relaxation ratio. This has been shown to incre ase blood flow. In this study a group of volunteers carried out chest compression at the rate that each felt was correct and comfortable. Th ere was no significant relationship between compression rate and compr ession:relaxation ratio. In a second study volunteers carried out ches t compression on a manikin at rates of 40/min; 60/min; 80/min and 100/ min. There was no significant rate related difference in the compressi on:relaxation ratios recorded. The ability to achieve a high compressi on duration is not related to compression rate, and should not be a co nsideration when guidelines on CPR are revised.