Abstract

Objective To assess tidal volume (Vt) and minute ventilation (MV) during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with two different chest compressions techniques: two-finger (TFT) or two-thumb technique (TTT) in a neonatal model. Methods Vt and MV were continuously measured during consecutive periods of resuscitation in an intubated manikin. Thirty participants performed the two compression techniques in a random order for 2-min periods while performing positive pressure ventilation using a T-piece resuscitator (TPR) or a self-inflating bag (SIB). Results Vt during CPR with TFT was significantly higher than TTT with either TPR: 44.9 +/- 4.3 vs 39.2 +/- 5.4 ml (p < 0.001) or SIB: 39.2 +/- 5.7 vs 35.6 +/- 6.5 ml (p < 0.023). Similarly MV was significantly higher in TFT than TTT with either mode: 1346 +/- 130 vs 1175 +/- 162 ml/min, respectively, with TPR (p < 0.001) and 1177 +/- 170 vs 1069 +/- 196 ml/min with SIB (p < 0.03). Conclusions Chest compressions during CPR using the TFT achieved higher Vt and MV than TTT in this model of neonatal resuscitation.