Aids effective CPR chest compressions
The Res-Q-Pad
The key to effective CPR chest compressions is a combination of achieving the correct rate, rhythm and depth compression. CPREzy-Pad assist's rescuers achieve these criteria by visually and audibly indicating the rate and depth at which CPR chest compressions should be performed.
Guides the rate of chest compression with an audible tone
An essential aspect of maintaining adequate blood flow to the vital organs during a cardiopulmonary arrest is the application of chest compressions at the correct rate. The human heart can beat at over 200 times per minute during strenuous exercise and at levels as low as 50 bpm when relaxed. During cardiac arrest, the UK Resuscitation Council, International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) and the European Resuscitation Council all recommend that chest compressions be applied at a rate of 100 per minute for adult single rescuer CPR.
CPREzy-Pad emits an audible tone at a constant 100bpm rate to indicate how often the chest needs to be compressed for optimal CPR. This audible tone is emitted at >80dB to ensure that it is heard above most ambient noise. CPREzy-Pad also contains a yellow LED which flashes in time with this 100bpm tone providing a visual cue for the rate of compression. This feature assists the application of CPR in cases where rescuers are hearing impaired, or are unable to hear the audible tone due to overwhelming aircraft or traffic noise.
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LED pressure sensor for consistent chest compression
LED pressure sensor for consistent chest compression.When pressure is applied by hand to CPREzy-Pad, pressure sensitive light emitting diodes (LED's) indicate the correct amount of force required for each chest compression. Four green LED's are present on CPREzy-Pad to indicate the target pressure required for patients of different weight and size. Rescuers need to estimate the size of the patient and apply sufficient pressure to illuminate the corresponding LED. Applying this force in time with the audible tone ensures consistent chest compression.
Reduces the risk of chest injury
When used correctly, CPREzy-Pad can reduce the risk of rib fractures, cartilage separation and coronary artery and cardiac conduction system damage. The rescuer achieves this risk reduction by applying only enough force to illuminate the LED that corresponds to the victim's approximate size. Rescuers should also be aware of an increased risk of chest injury when the caution light is illuminated during compressions.
Note: Even during ideal application of CPR, chest injuries may occur. Rescuers should adjust their force accordingly in these situations.
Aids CPR training
CPREzy-Pad can be used to assist individual's train for CPR emergencies. Using CPREzy-Pad allows external cardiac compression training to be performed with or without the use of resuscitation manikins. If a manikin is not available, CPREzy-Pad can simply be placed onto a flat surface and simulated cardiac compression can be performed and monitored by the CPREzy-Pad force sensing LED's. The audible tone emitted from CPREzy-Pad also assists rescuers to practice cardiac compressions at the optimal rate.
Ensures full release of force between compressions
Research suggests that to maintain adequate blood flow to the vital organs, rescuers must fully release the applied pressure between chest compressions. This relaxation of pressure allows the heart to passively fill prior to the next chest compression.
When using CPREzy-Pad, rescuers should ensure that none of the green LED's are illuminated during the upstroke of compression. This indicates that pressure has been released between compressions and is essential for the effective administration of CPR.
Automatic battery tester
When CPREzy-Pad is switched on, 3 tones will be heard. This is the automatic battery tester. 3 sharp tones means the battery is OK. 3 low tones and a flashing red light means the battery is low and should be replaced at the earliest opportunity. The battery must be replaced once a year or when indicated by the battery tester.
Re-programmable audible tone rate
CPREzy-Pad is factory set to emit an audible tone at 100 beeps per minute (bpm), which is the ideal recommended rate for CPR chest compressions.
This audible tone can be disabled and the unit will continue to function but in silence.
To change the CPREzy-Pad from 100bpm to silence, hold the CPREzy-Pad 'on/off' button down for 5 seconds. After this period the CPREzy-Pad will go silent but the yellow rate indicator light will continue to flash at 100bpm. To reactivate the audible tone, at 100bpm, simply repeat the above procedure.
Assists with rescuer fatigue
In some cases, the administration of CPR can last upwards of 15 minutes. During this time rescuers can become fatigued and deliver sub-standard CPR. When CPR is performed manually, it is very difficult for rescuers to assess how much this fatigue is affecting their CPR performance. CPREzy-Pad assists rescuer fatigue in two ways. Firstly, rescuers often apply more force than is necessary during manual CPR which is not only dangerous for the patient, but also causes the rescuer to exert greater energy and fatigue at a faster rate. By indicating the appropriate compression force required CPREzy-Pad can reduce this rescuer fatigue. Secondly, CPREzy-Pad provides rescuers with instant feedback on their CPR application. When rescuers are unable to compress the chest at the rate and depth indicated by CPREzy-Pad, the rescuer is made aware of his approaching fatigue and can summon another rescuer to take over.
Assists the correct angle of compression
Properly performed CPR requires rescuers to have straight arms, interlocked fingers and their shoulders positioned directly over their hands. This ensures that each chest compression thrust is straight down on the sternum. CPREzy-Pad assists rescuers to apply this straight down force by evenly transferring the pressure through the CPREzy-Pad to the patient's chest. Applying force at an incorrect angle to CPREzy-Pad may cause it to tilt, which acts as a reminder to the rescuer to monitor and rectify his angle of compression. CPREzy-Pad also elevates the rescuers hands above the patient's chest, helping to prevent the fingers from resting on the ribcage and distorting the application of pressure.