Review #8

Physio-Control Introduces TrueCPR Coaching Device to Optimize Manual CPR Performance

Citation:  Physio-control introduces truecpr coaching device to optimize manual cpr performance. (2013, May 14). The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved from http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20130514-910846.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Review: This press release in The Wall Street Journal sings the praises of the newly developed TrueCPR coaching device.  TrueCPR is produced by Physio-Control, a biomedical company that specializes in heart rhythm devices such as pacemakers and implanted defibrillators.  The device was developed to help new CPR learners learn how to deliver high-quality compressions.  It is difficult for new learners to understand exactly how much pressure to exert on the victim's chest.  TrueCPR utilizes Triaxial Field Induction (TFI) technology to measure the depth of compressions, which ideally should be at least 2 inches.  TFI measures changes in a very low-energy 3D magnetic field.  This is obtained by placing a sensor on the "patient's" chest and a reference pad underneath.  As the learner performs compressions, the TFI continuously measures the changes in distance between the two surfaces.  This same technology can actually be used in real-time with a real patient in cardiac arrest, so that a caregiver can see if he or she needs to push harder.  In addition to the depth calculation, learners/caregivers can see their rate of compressions (should be 100 a minute) and the device even has a metronome to help caregivers deliver compressions at the correct rate.

Reflection: I had already started reading and preparing this review when I realized this was a press release.  (I thought to myself, this is a darn commercial.)  However, as a CPR instructor not only in the school system but at the local hospital, I can definitely see a need for such a device.  In my classroom we have the flimsiest set of CPR manikins I've ever seen, and I have seen some real "cheap-o's" over the years.  They're made of thin plastic about the weight of a wet wipes container so that the average 150-pound human can perform compressions and push down the chest the proper 2 inches.  Little teenage girls (and women) who weigh 110 pounds or less often have a difficult time making the chest move at all.  The hospital has more realistic manikins that feel more like a person, but the fact is, most really small women (and a few small men) have difficulty compressing the chest enough on them too.  I don't know that the TrueCPR device is going to help them much, but it might.  I do think the TrueCPR could help people like me who get nervous in a situation like that, even though I've taught it for a long time, by giving people feedback on their progress.  I also think it would be very helpful with teaching because the students could see right away how to improve their skills.