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"More recently, an integrated remote healthcare system that utilised a wireless vital signs monitoring sensor was evaluated. This wearable patch continuously measured ECG, body surface temperature, and 3D acceleration, providing crucial real-time data."
The sphere of medical science is continually evolving, particularly in the realm of CPR. While the current approach has proven effective in countless emergency situations, this does not mean that our current methods are impervious to the potential enhancements brought about by technological progress and research. Therefore, it’s crucial to stay abreast of what the future of resuscitation might look like.
Developments such as mobile alert systems, wearable devices, and physiology-directed CPR techniques are poised to revolutionise the way we perform CPR. In this article, we will aim to explore these emerging trends and their possible implications for the future of resuscitation.
Mobile Phone Alert Systems and Resuscitation
A notable technological improvement in resuscitation is the recent development of mobile phone alert systems. These systems leverage smartphone technology to dispatch trained community first responders (CFRs) to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) situations. When an OHCA occurs, the alert system sends a notification to nearby CFRs who have signed up for the program.
Often, this notification provides them with real-time information about the location of the OHCA and the availability of an automated external defibrillator (AED) in the vicinity. As a result, CFRs are able to respond swiftly to the scene and provide life-saving interventions while waiting for emergency medical services to arrive.
The Benefits of Using Mobile Phone Alert Systems
The advantages of this development are multi-faceted. Firstly, they significantly reduce the time to first response, which is critical in improving the survival rates for OHCA. Secondly, the system ensures that trained individuals are notified. This means that a CFR who has received training in CPR and the use of BLS equipment is more likely to be the person delivering resuscitation. The result is expected to be a more practical level of resuscitation than CPR conducted by a bystander.
Furthermore, studies show that CFRs are keen to engage with smartphone alerts, as they are motivated by a sense of collaboration and a profound wish to help. This further enhances the potential impact of mobile phone alert systems in resuscitation.
Wearable Systems to Detect Sudden Cardiac Arrest
For over a decade, studies have showcased the potential of wearable devices such as the Wriskwatch, a watch-based device tested in simulated cardiac arrest situations. The device demonstrated high sensitivity in identifying pulselessness, an essential aspect of detecting cardiac arrest.
More recently, an integrated remote healthcare system that utilised a wireless vital signs monitoring sensor was evaluated. This wearable patch continuously measured ECG, body surface temperature, and 3D acceleration, providing crucial real-time data.
Moreover, mobile apps like the Heart Sentinel App have been tested for cardiac arrest detection, leveraging data from a commercial ECG chest strap or textile. The app showed a remarkable accuracy rate in detecting simulated ventricular fibrillation, a life-threatening heart rhythm that can lead to cardiac arrest.
What is the Overall Assessment of Wearable Systems?
Despite promising results, it is crucial to acknowledge that existing studies have had small sample sizes, and the evidence remains limited. Real-world testing and validation of these devices are necessary to confirm their effectiveness in improving survival rates.
Furthermore, the development of wearable systems must carefully balance sensitivity and specificity to minimise false-positive activations and optimise emergency medical services (EMS) operations.
It’s clear, then, that while wearable systems represent a significant technological improvement to resuscitation, they still require further development and honing before they reach optimum reliability and efficiency.
The Growth of Physiology-Directed CPR
Unlike traditional methods, physiology-directed CPR tailors the resuscitation process to the specific physiological needs of each patient. The personalised approach can optimise the efficacy of chest compressions and improve hemodynamic parameters during resuscitation, thereby increasing survival rates and promoting neurological recovery in OHCA patients.
The Effectiveness of Physiology-Directed CPR
The efficacy of this practice is largely due to its reliance on advanced technologies and waveform analysis. Wearable devices that monitor blood pressure, oximetry, electrocardiography, or electroencephalography provide valuable personalised health data that can aid in detecting sudden cardiac death early.
Moreover, machine learning-based dispatcher recognition systems and mobile applications have been developed to alert potential rescuers and emergency medical services (EMS) simultaneously, increasing the chances of early bystander CPR and defibrillation.
Public Awareness Through Social Media
Social media is increasingly being recognised as a powerful technological improvement in resuscitation. Specifically, it is effective for promoting public awareness and education about cardiac arrest and the importance of bystander-initiated CPR. Widespread use of social media platforms has the potential to increase public knowledge and understanding of these critical issues significantly.
Several studies have highlighted the role of social media in disseminating information about cardiac arrest and CPR. For instance, research published in the American Heart Association’s journal noted that digital strategies, including the use of mobile devices and social media, can improve emergency cardiovascular care.
Improved Engagement
With their vast user base and engagement potential, social media platforms are also instrumental in promoting engagement in CPR training. This is supported by extensive research displaying the effectiveness of popular social media sites in engaging the public as CPR-trained responders. Whether this is disseminating information on community-based training or using campaigns as a way to organise mass CPR training events, the results have been profound.
Do You Want to Embrace the Future of CPR?
At Innosonian, we are driven by innovation. Our dedication to technological developments and their impact on efficiency can be seen with our unique LED blood-flow system, allowing learners to assess the efficacy of their CPR practice immediately. Similarly, the Brayden Online App, which links to the Brayden Pro manikin, represents a significant innovation in increasing training capacity and the impartiality and accuracy of feedback.
We are also proud of our position at the forefront of social innovation in the field of resuscitation. Our OBI manikin was developed with the aim of making CPR more accessible and engaging for diverse communities across the UK.
If you want to find out more about our commitments to progress, please feel free to get in touch with us.
