Benefits of Prone CPR

                                             How Prone CPR Can Benefit one's Chances Of survival 

December 14,2021

Have you ever been a solo responder that arrived on the scene of an accident that has happened right in front of you while you're just out running errands or possibly on your way to work? You find the patient is prone to a possible cervical injury who is also unresponsive. This responder will be able to perform potential life-saving Prone CPR by beginning back compressions to keep the blood flow moving throughout the patient. While not disrupting the cervical spine until additional help arrives.

Evidence-Based points

 The first major study presents prone CPR compressions to be administered at the same rate as standard CPR protocol at 100-120 bpm. 93.8% of 3,600 chest compressions performed out of  3,376 compressions were assessed and counted successfully.

 The second major study reflects Standard external cardiac massage of the cadavers generated a blood pressure of 55. Where in comparison external compression on the back generated a higher Blood Pressure of 79.  

In the third major study, Reverse CPR generated a greater mean Systolic blood pressure and higher mean arterial pressure than during standard CPR.

Practical Applications 

Future CPR training should incorporate prone positions CPR due to patients being in compromised positions, intubation, or in surgery already in a prone position. This training would be an essential skill to have as a health care worker as well as for any individual with their first aid and CPR card.

The goal of Prone CPR is to keep oxygen flowing in and out of the lungs and to keep oxygenated blood flowing through the body. This will delay tissue death

Additional Resources 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dk3sUUAGnTQ

https://www.ausmed.com/cpd/articles/prone-cpr

About the author 

 

Grace Dufromont is a Senior at Westfields State University Majoring in Movement Science with a concentration in Sports Medicine. Grace is an active member of Westfield States EMT program.

After Graduating Grace wants to pursue Emergency Medicine in the role of an EMT.

Resources

1.Mazer, S., Westfeldt, M., Bai, D., Cardinale, C., Arora, R., Ma, C., Sciacca, R., Chong, D., & Rabbani, L. (2003). Reverse CPR: A pilot study of CPR in the prone position. Resuscitation, 57, 279–285. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0300-9572(03)00037-6

2. Atkinson, M. C. (n.d.). The Efficacy of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in the Prone Position.

3.Wei, J. (n.d.). Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Prone Position: A Simplified Method for Outpatients | Elsevier Enhanced Reader. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1726-4901(09)70219-9