Implementation of LUCAS 2 in Helicopter Rescue in South Tyrol

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is used to maintain adequate perfusion of vital organs in cardiac arrest patients and is fundamental for the neurological outcome and survival of these individuals. Unfortunately, the quality of CPR may be inadequate due largely to ineffective chest compressions resulting from rescuer fatigue and interruptions in compressions. The LUCAS device (Lund University Cardiopulmonary Assist System, Jolife, Lund, Sweden), introduced in 2002, is the most extensively tested and applied automated alternative to manual CPR for in-hospital care of cardiac arrest patients and during ambulance transfer; the feasibility of application of this device in helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) operations, however, has never been addressed. The objective of this project is to equip the three active rescue helicopters in South Tyrol with the LUCAS 2 mechanical chest compression device to answer the question: What is the feasibility and efficiency of using this device for prolonged CPR in cardiac arrest patients requiring CPR during HEMS rescue operations and transport?

Detailed Description
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This is a non-controlled, observational study. Physiological endpoints: MAP (mean arterial pressure); etCO2 (end-tidal expiratory pCO2); ROSC (return of spontaneous circulation); PaO2 (arterial pO2); PaCO2 (arterial pCO2); endpoints to assess feasibility: time from arrival to start of mechanical compressions, problems during transfer into the helicopter and in-field manoeuvers, problems with application of device, problems with patient transfer to hospital premises, hands-off time, personnel requirements.

Official Title
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Implementation of LUCAS 2 in Helicopter Rescue in South Tyrol

Conditions
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Cardiac Arrest

Intervention / Treatment
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* Device: MECHANICAL CHEST COMPRESSION


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: cardiac arrest with indication of CPR informed consent for those regaining legal competence Exclusion Criteria: declaration of death on site contraindications of using the device age <18 y

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| CPR<br>MECHANICAL CHEST COMPRESSION | Device: MECHANICAL CHEST COMPRESSION<br> <br> * Other names: LUCAS2;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Time from arrival of rescue team to start of mechanical compressions |  | assessed immediatly after the operation is concluded | 
| Presence of abdominal or thoracic lesions caused by automated chest compressor |  | Assessed at clinical examination during hospital stay (day 1 to day 30) or autopsy | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Mean arterial pressure |  | At hospital arrival (expected between 5 minutes and 1 hour from start CPR) | 
| End-tidal expiratory pCO2 |  | At hospital arrival (expected between 5 minutes and 1 hour from start CPR) | 
| Return of spontaneous circulation |  | Could be each moment during CPR | 
| Arterial pO2 |  | At hospital arrival (expected between 5 minutes and 1 hour from start CPR) | 
| Arterial pCO2 |  | At hospital arrival (expected between 5 minutes and 1 hour from start CPR) |