Automated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) devices provide consistent chest compressions at the appropriate depth and rate during cardiac arrest. These mechanical devices, often battery-powered, are designed to free up rescuers to perform other life-saving interventions, such as airway management, administering medications, or preparing a defibrillator. An example is the LUCAS device, a piston-driven mechanism that straps around the patient’s chest and delivers compressions.
Consistent, high-quality chest compressions are crucial for maintaining blood flow to vital organs during cardiac arrest, improving the chances of survival and positive neurological outcomes. Manual CPR can be physically demanding and prone to fatigue and inconsistencies in compression quality, particularly during prolonged resuscitation efforts. Mechanical CPR devices address these challenges by providing continuous, uniform compressions, potentially improving patient outcomes. Their use may be especially valuable in challenging environments, such as during patient transport or in the operating room. The development of these devices stems from the recognition of the critical role of high-quality CPR and the inherent limitations of manual CPR delivery.