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

Physio-Control, a leading provider of emergency medical response technologies worldwide, today announced availability of the TrueCPR™ coaching device, a key part of Physio-Control’s cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) solution, designed to improve manual CPR performance. TrueCPR is a simple-to-use tool that accurately measures manual chest compressions to optimize manual CPR by providing high-quality feedback, in both real-time and following a resuscitation event. It utilizes new triaxial field induction (TFI) technology, which has been shown to provide accurate CPR depth measurement and help guide rescuers to perform compressions of at least 2 inches (5 centimeters) of depth.

TFI technology is a new innovation from Physio-Control. TFI measures changes in a very low-energy 3-D magnetic field generated by a reference pad placed beneath the patient and a sensor on the patient’s chest, continuously calculating the changing distance between the two points as a caregiver performs manual compressions. Unlike accelerometer-based devices, which have been shown to overestimate chest compression depth on soft surfaces, TrueCPR measures the relative distance from the chest sensor to reference pad, regardless of patient movement, thus it can be used on surfaces such as a hospital gurney, mattress or in a moving ambulance.

The American Heart Association and European Resuscitation Council 2010 Guidelines recommend providing effective, consistent CPR with minimal interruptions, along with developing a culture of quality improvement, including measurement, benchmarking and establishing a feedback loop for response teams. TrueCPR provides three levels of CPR performance feedback to help response team improve their CPR quality:

• · Real-time – an easy-to-see display shows compression depth and rate, a metronome to guide correct compression rate and an event timer
• · Immediately post-event – summary statistics include average rate, correct depth percentage, elapsed time and hands-on chest time (also known as “compression fraction”)
• · Post-event review and debriefing – up to 180 minutes of detailed CPR information can be reviewed via Physio-Control data review software to evaluate overall performance and establish a quality improvement feedback loop

“The importance of high-quality CPR for cardiac arrest victims is widely recognized. However, performing optimal chest compressions is challenging, even for trained professionals,” said Brian Webster, president and CEO, Physio-Control. “The accurate real-time feedback delivered through TrueCPR is a real advantage during resuscitation, plus TrueCPR collects the critical data necessary for post-event quality improvement.”

TrueCPR is an integral part of the Physio-Control System of Care, offering customers a variety of resuscitation solutions to meet their unique requirements and protocols. The system is comprised of tools that can work independently or together to help improve CPR quality and patient outcomes, including: 

• · LIFEPAK 15^® monitor/defibrillator – with waveform capnography for monitoring CPR effectiveness and a metronome for guiding to the correct chest compression rate
• · LUCAS^® Chest Compression System – Physio-Control’s mechanical CPR solution; easy to apply, providing consistent compressions of at least 100 compressions/minute and 2 inches (5 centimeters) of depth, with minimal interruptions, even during patient transport
• ·CODE-STAT™ Data Review Software with CPR Analytics – capturing chest compression and shock delivery data from all LIFEPAK devices for post-event review and quality improvement
• · LIFEPAK 20/20e^® – combining AED function with manual capability so both basic life support and advanced cardiovascular life support clinicians can quickly and easily deliver advanced therapeutic care

TrueCPR is portable and requires no connection to a monitor/defibrillator, making it compatible with a variety of manufacturers’ devices. It utilizes off-the-shelf batteries and requires no accessories, making it economical for repeated patient use.