Effect of rescuer–dispatcher communication on chest compression quality during simulated cardiac arrest

Background: This study aimed to assess the effects of performing chest compressions (CCs) while calling emergency medical services (EMS), compared with performing CCs without simultaneously making an EMS call, and to explore participants’ experiences during both scenarios. Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods experimental study using a within-subjects repeated-measures design in a simulated environment at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana. A total of 75 healthcare students participated in the study, and each participant performed CCs in two scenarios: (1) while communicating with a dispatcher during an EMS call and (2) without makiJanng a call. CC quality was measured using the Resusci Anne Quality Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (QCPR) manikin (Laerdal Medical, Norway) and QCPR Learner app, with overall quality summarized using the QCPR score (0–100%). Semi-structured interviews were conducted immediately after the scenarios to explore participants’ experiences, which were divided into intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Results: In simulated cardiac arrest, CC quality was better when the rescuer was not simultaneously calling EMS. Participants’ median CC depth (65 mm vs. 70 mm; Z = −6.21, p < 0.001) and chest recoil (29% vs. 80%; Z = −5.01, p < 0.001) were reduced when participants communicated with the dispatcher. CC rate and total number of compressions remained comparable, whereas pause durations were slightly longer during the call (0.6 s vs. 0.1 s; Z = −3.09, p = 0.002). Qualitative findings revealed that participants experienced more intrinsic (such as physical and psychological strain) than extrinsic factors, which included environmental and communication-related obstacles. Conclusions: Performing CCs while talking on a smartphone with EMS reduces CC quality and increases both physical and mental effort.

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest; Dispatcher-assisted CPR; Telephone CPR

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