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1. Introduction
1.1 Background
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) refers to the sudden cessation of
cardiac mechanical activity with hemodynamic collapse. 88%
of SCA cases occur at home and survival rates are less than 10%
but can be doubled or even tripled if Cardio-Pulmonary
Resuscitation (CPR) is initiated immediately by a bystander or
EMS.
Worldwide efforts are invested in educating the general
population regarding the importance of CPR. The current
American Heart Association guidelines, which are based on
extensive evidence published by the International Liaison
Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR), emphasize the
importance of rapid identification of cardiac arrest and
initiation of high quality chest compressions. A rate of 100-120
compressions per minute and a depth of 5-6cm are
suggested. The main goal of effective chest compressions is
restoration of blood flow to the brain thus prevention of
permanent damage. For untrained bystanders, "Hands only"
CPR algorithm was developed based on similar survival rates
with either "Hands only" CPR or CPR with both chest
compressions and mouth to mouth ventilation.
Assessment of CPR quality and adherence to the CPR
guidelines was the objective of many studies and high
frequency of inadequate compressions depth compared to
guidelines has been reported. The evaluation of the exact
depth (5-6cm) is challenging, even for a trained rescuer.
BEATY is a feedback device that provides audible feedback
regarding the effectiveness of chest compressions during CPR.
With every chest compression, BEATY will tell its user whether
the performance is effective or not. The real-time given
feedback will increase sense of capability among users and the
effectiveness of chest compressions.