What Is an mCPR and Do They Work?

If you ever wondered what is an mCPR and if they work, we’ll take a deep dive for that answer here. Technology innovation has led to the development of numerous medical devices designed to improve resuscitation outcomes for cardiac arrest victims. One such device is mechanical CPR, or mCPR, which is a machine that provides chest compressions to patients in need of resuscitation.

Chest compressions are critical for resuscitation, as they help maintain oxygenation and circulation in the body. In a cardiac arrest, the heart cannot effectively pump blood and oxygen to the body’s tissues, leading to a loss of consciousness and potentially fatal outcomes if not treated promptly.

Below, we examine mechanical CPR devices and how they save lives.

Let’s Look At What is an mCPR and How They Work

Traditionally, chest compressions have been provided manually by first responders and paramedics, who apply pressure to the chest to mimic the pumping of the heart. While a manual method you can learn in a CPR class can be effective in certain situations, it can also be physically demanding. In result, it may not be performed consistently or at the appropriate depth and rate.

This is where mCPR devices come into play, but what is an mCPR and do they work? These machines use mechanical arms or paddles to apply consistent, deep compressions to the chest at a set rate, allowing for more effective resuscitation efforts. MCPR devices can also be combined with defibrillation, which involves delivering an electric shock to the heart to restore normal cardiac rhythm.

Before using an mCPR device, the medical staff must prepare the patient for compressions. The device’s paddles or arms are then placed on the patient’s chest, and the device is activated. The device will then provide periodic, deep compressions at a predetermined rate until it is deactivated or the patient’s heart begins to function normally.

When Should an mCPR Be Used?

While mCPR devices may not be always suitable for all patients, they have shown promising results in pre-hospital care settings, particularly for individuals with out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. In these cases, mCPR devices can be used by first responders and paramedics to provide resuscitation efforts while transporting patients to the hospital.

One study found that using mCPR devices in pre-hospital care resulted in significantly higher rates of survival and favorable neurologic outcomes compared to manual CPR. Granted, this study refers to refractory cardiac arrests, but it does point to the fact that some individuals do not respond to standard CPR, which is when mCPR is introduced.

Understanding what is an mCPR and if they work will help you understand when to use one. Here are some situations where the use of mechanical CPR (mCPR) devices may be beneficial:

• Pre-hospital care: mCPR devices are particularly useful in pre-hospital care settings, such as when first responders and paramedics transport patients to the hospital. The use of mCPR devices in pre-hospital care has been shown to improve survival rates and outcomes for out-of-hospital (OHCA) cardiac arrest patients.

• Long resuscitation efforts: mCPR devices can provide consistent and deep compressions at a set rate, which is more effective than manual CPR in certain situations. This can be especially beneficial in cases where resuscitation efforts are expected to be lengthy, as manual CPR can be physically demanding and may not be performed consistently over an extended period.

• Cases where manual CPR is not possible or not being performed effectively: In certain cases, manual CPR may not be possible or may not be performed effectively. For example, when a patient is too large or the first responders are not physically able to perform manual CPR, an mCPR device is a useful alternative.

• Cases where defibrillation is needed: mCPR devices can be used with defibrillation, providing a more comprehensive approach to resuscitation efforts.

It’s important to note that mCPR devices are not a replacement for an automated external defibrillator (AED). AEDs are an essential part of emergency response efforts and are often used with mCPR devices to provide comprehensive resuscitation.

Benefits of Using An mCPR 

Having a good understanding of what is an mCPR helps us realize that, we can conclude that mCPR devices have various benefits:

• Ease of use: mCPR devices are easier to use than manual CPR, as they do not require physical exertion or the use of muscle strength. This can be especially beneficial for first responders and paramedics who may be fatigued or unable to physically perform manual CPR for extended periods of time.

• Improved transport: mCPR devices can also be used to provide resuscitation efforts while transporting patients to the hospital, which can improve survival rates and outcomes.

• Compatibility with defibrillation: mCPR devices can be paired with defibrillation. This can provide a more comprehensive approach to resuscitation efforts.

• Take on the labor: by deploying an mCPR device, staff members can focus on other tasks, like taking care of other victims at the scene or preparing the emergency vehicle for transport.

• No compression disruption: When CPR is performed by a bystander or medical staff, there could be a delay in the compression rate due to panic or fatigue. Implementing an mCPR device ensures the compression rate remains uninterrupted.

Downsides of mCPR

There are a few potential downsides to the use of mCPR devices:

• Cost: mCPR devices are expensive, which may limit their access to certain organizations or individuals.

• Training: mCPR devices require specialized CPR training to operate properly, and not all first responders and paramedics are trained to use them.

• Limited effectiveness: mCPR devices may not be suitable for all patients or situations, and may not be as effective as manual CPR in certain circumstances.

• Dependence: Some people may be hesitant to use mCPR devices because they fear becoming too reliant on technology and losing the skills necessary to perform manual CPR.

• Limited availability: mCPR devices may not be readily available in all emergency response situations, and may not be as widely deployed as manual CPR.

• Size and weight: mCPR devices tend to be large and heavy, which may make them difficult to transport or use in certain situations.

It’s important to note that these downsides do not necessarily outweigh the potential benefits of mCPR devices. In certain situations, the use of an mCPR device may be the most effective way to provide emergency care for individuals suffering from cardiac arrest. 

Types of mCPR

Being CPR certified can help you be prepared but sometimes you’ll need some help. Let’s look at the types of mCPR that are available. There are several types of mechanical CPR (mCPR) devices available, including:

• Chest compression systems: These devices use mechanical arms or paddles to apply consistent, deep compressions to the chest at a set rate. Some examples of chest compression systems include the LUCAS Chest Compression System and the ZOLL AutoPulse.

• Thumper devices: These devices use a piston-like mechanism to apply compressions to the chest. Some examples of thumper devices include the THOR TH-1 and the LifeCorp LifeThumper.

• Impulse devices: These devices use a rapidly expanding airbag to apply compressions to the chest. Some examples of impulse devices include the ResQPump and the ResQPOD.

The effectiveness of mCPR devices may vary depending on the specific device used and the patient that’s being treated. It’s important for first responders and medical personnel to be trained in the use of mCPR devices and to have them ready in emergency response situations.

Understanding what is an mCPR and do they work

Having a full understanding of what is an mCPR and if they work helps you know when it’s necessary to use one. Overall, the use of mCPR as a medical device in out-of-hospital settings is an important topic of research, as it has the potential to significantly impact the quality of care and survival rates for people experiencing cardiac arrest. A systematic review of the available evidence on this topic can help to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of these devices.

In summary, mCPR devices are a valuable innovation in technology that can improve resuscitation efforts and survival rates for people suffering from cardiac arrests. While they may not be suitable for all situations, they have shown great results in pre-hospital care settings and can be used with AEDs to provide comprehensive resuscitation efforts.