The role of the Mechanical Chest Compression Device

Mechanical Chest Compression Devices have been around for a number of years now. Whilst there is agreement that they offer a suitable alternative to human CPR, no clear benefit over human CPR has been proven in RCTs to date and conjecture remains about its use. None the less there are many circumstances where these devices play a significant role and can provide effective chest compressions, where humans may not be able to, like in the back of a moving ambulance.

The following review provides an update on mechanical device use for both out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA), an overview on device use in special circumstances, and guidance on deployment in the clinical setting.

Mechanical CPR: Who, When, How?

Check out the video to see an example of how an MCCD is applied and operated.