Earlier last year Nikolaisen developed a concept that would provide a means for our EMS providers to achieve a 90% compression fraction while performing CPR.  “Compression fraction accounts for the time spent performing chest compressions during cardiac arrest relative to the time spent performing other required tasks (check for unresponsiveness, check for a pulse, apply pads, delivery shock, pause for ventilation, establish an airway, etc.),” explained Nikolaisen. “The concept behind 90% high performance CPR is that all actions outside of performing compressions are done with “pit crew” precision to minimize any off the chest time.”  The concept was presented to both Edwardsville FD and Glen Carbon FPD who have implemented the strategy.  Teams were trained by utilizing  “Apollo” a high fidelity manikin.”  “The advantage in utilizing “Apollo” is that we are provided with instant and recorded feedback in reaching the 90% compression fraction goal,” explained Nikolaisen.  “We successfully developed an approach and skill set  that allowed for us to achieve our goal of 90% or greater compression fraction.”  Since July, crews from these departments implement 90% high performance CPR and are seeing unprecedented levels of Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC) being achieved in the pre-hospital setting.   “With the improved levels of ROSC we appear to have tripled our neurologically intact to discharge numbers from the previous 6 months.”  In non-clinical terms, this strategy is saving lives! 
With American Heart Month right around the corner (February), now is a perfect time to get educated on the importance of bystander CPR.  Here are some great resources from the American Heart Association:
Bystander CPR  https://cpr.heart.org/en/resources/bystander-cpr
Hands Only CPR Video  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbw4Whd0bJ0
 
Anderson Hospital and its EMS Partners have plans for more education and events in February.