High Performance CPR is a term that can be heard often these days. If you think that is an innovative technique of performing CPR that is introduced recently, then you need to know something. It is the very CPR technique we use currently, but it is about employing it in a more effective manner. This is possible when there is more than available to assist performing the CPR.

“PIT CREW” is how high performance CPR is called, and in this approach everyone in the group has a specific role to play. 

Don’t hinder the blood circulation!

If you have done a CPR, it is evident that performing it for 3 minutes can make you go shattered and drained. When there is fatigue you will be not able to set the compressions on the chest in an efficient manner. When on High Performance CPR, the goal is to give chest compressions consistently and in an effective manner. So, the blood circulation happens perfectly, and heart and brain get enough blood supply.

When you give effective chest compressions, the body actually gets only 30% of what the heart usually pumps. But why it gets all significance? The reason is it can prevent the brain cells stop working. As the flow of blood supply is lower, it can go up to a minute to kindle it again, once you stop the compressions. 

The Results

The “Pit Crew” CPR was introduced in 2012. The results since then have been promising. As per the reports of Emergency Service Teams of USA, the people who were given High Performing CPR when suffered from cardiac arrest, the rate of survival increased to 41% which was earlier only 10%. 

Practice makes Perfect!

It is essential that the team practices the performance well. This helps them to understand their individual roles, when they face the challenge in the scenario of casualty. They can also understand thoroughly about changing over the role with the other person for compressions with interruptions as less as possible. They should reach the goal of offering compression for 90% of the time they spend on the action. The 10% of the time is to ensure the rescue breath and defibrillation. One of the ways to achieve expertise is choosing to perform the action on mannequins which offer real time feedback, and also the speed and depth of the compressions they give. This lets the team to work on areas that need improvement.  

How to Maximize time spent on Compressions

• The casualty should be laid down in such a way that there is enough space for 2 people on the sides, and one person to stand close to the head.
• When there is a change of role, there should be someone nominated to communicate and take charge of it.
• Loudly number the compressions given. Counting lets everyone in the team know the right scenario.
• When one offers compressions for 2 minutes, he feels tired. So, there should be someone to take over every 2 minutes. 
• Hold the hands when there is shocking given and when the defibrillator analyses the heartbeat. 
• When there is a change of role there should be less interruptions.

When there is no interruption, or lesser possible, and there is enough focus when doing the CPR techniques that are carried out currently, the survival rate of casualty goes higher a lot. One year course of CPR is the best way you achieve the skills in the right way.