Automated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) devices are mechanical instruments designed to deliver consistent and uninterrupted chest compressions during cardiac arrest. These devices, often portable and easily deployed, typically consist of a backboard and a compression mechanism that applies regulated pressure to the sternum. Some advanced models also integrate ventilation assistance.
Consistent, high-quality chest compressions are crucial for maintaining blood flow to vital organs during a cardiac event. Manual CPR can be physically demanding and prone to variations in quality due to rescuer fatigue or inexperience. Automated CPR devices address these limitations by providing uniform compressions, freeing up human responders to focus on other life-saving interventions such as airway management, defibrillation, and medication administration. Historically, the evolution of these devices has led to improved patient outcomes, particularly in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest scenarios where consistent, high-quality compressions are paramount.