Firefighters and EMTs have been performing CPR for 50 years—and many lives have been saved because of it. According to the American Heart Association, early CPR delivery and AED application are the most effective strategies for increasing survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. But recent research indicates that first responders may not be as effective in their CPR technique as they think they are—and that many more lives could be saved if cardiac arrest victims were consistently provided with high-quality CPR.

“CPR Performance Counts: Quality Improves Survival” is an exclusive monograph published in the December issue of FireRescue magazine, and available online now. It’s required reading for all firefighter/paramedic crews and EMTs. The monograph includes information on the following:

·The need to close the CPR knowledge-practice gap. We know how to do CPR; now we must shift our focus from “Do CPR” to “Do CPR right.”
·Results of an international survey of health care providers. Only 26% of the respondents reported that their performed rate, depth and ratios were fully compliant with the 2005 CPR Guidelines; 29% received regular feedback on their performance; and 15% have access to CPR assistance devices with instantaneous feedback.
·Key factors for improved patient outcomes. Compression rate, depth and fraction are essential to improving resuscitation rates, and cannot be stressed enough. These are the cornerstones of high-quality CPR.
·How (re)training can improve performance. CPR measurement and feedback equipment can shed light on providers’ CPR skills and what areas departments need to target to improve resuscitation rates.
·The challenges that lie ahead. To truly improve CPR quality, historical practices will have to be changed, and departments and agencies will need to use training and feedback devices to identify where to make improvements. But best practices and lessons learned in the hospital environment can help.

It’s time to determine whether the CPR you and your crew deliver is truly high quality, and truly giving your victims the best chance at survival. Read this monograph online or download the complete PDF now!