Use of a Feedback Device to Limit Too Shallow Compressions Associated With the Use of an I-gel® Device

Airway management in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is still debated. Several options exist: bag-valve-mask ventilation, supraglottic devices and endotracheal intubation. Intermediate and advanced airway management strategies could be useful devices to increase chest compression fraction. A previous study shows that early insertion of an i-gel device significantly increases chest compression fraction and enhances respiratory parameters. However, the compressions were found to be shallower in the experimental group using the i-gel device. Although, the shallower compressions found in the supraglottic airway device group did not appear to be linked to their provision in an over-the-head position, it is reasonable to assume that the addition of a feedback device to the use of an i-gel® device could fix this issue. The feedback devices seem to be able to provide a benefit, and allow deeper compressions / more often in the depth target. There is a mismatch between perceived and actual cardiopulmonary resuscitation performance supporting the need for such a feedback device's study.