You may have heard about High Performance CPR (also called Pit Crew CPR). High Performance CPR was designed by Emergency Medical Service professionals. The name “Pit Crew CPR” comes from the inspiration they took from the pit crews in auto-racing, which feature teams of specialists that focus on a single task, when the car comes in, and do that to the best of their abilities.
Pit Crew CPR has an emphasis on getting chest compressions going as soon as possible, and with as few interruptions as possible. The protocols in High Performance or Pit Crew CPR can differ from region to region, but the primary goals are the same: high quality chest compressions with minimal interruptions, early defibrillation, and airway support. Advance life support providers use capnography to identify the return of circulation.
Pit Crew CPR is different from the team approach to CPR in that everyone knows what their assignment is based on when they enter the scene. The first rescuer to arrive confirms there is no pulse, and initiates chest compressions. The second rescuer takes a position on the other side of the patient, and prepares an AED, and attaches the pads while the compressions are happening. The third rescuer prepares the bag valve mask, takes the position at the patient’s head, attaches capnography, and inserts an OPA. Once a shockable rhythm has been detected, the first shock is delivered and the second rescuer then takes over compressions. You switch to 30 to two with the CPR. The rescuer at the head pays attention to the capnography and CO2 reading.
The idea behind this is a high-speed, low-drag, highly efficient and effective CPR process that can lead to better outcomes.