Abstract
Providing high-quality, uninterrupted chest compression is the most important task for healthcare professionals working in advanced life support. Mechanical resuscitation devices have been used for several years as adjuncts to manual chest compression, and they continue to grow in popularity.
These devices open up new possibilities for performing high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with two-member emergency teams during various diagnostic and therapeutic procedures or while patients are being transported to a hospital. However, there is evidence that their use is associated with adverse effects.
Because of increased risk of CPR-related injuries, the most important concern is patients' safety. This review considers the evidence and indications for use of mechanical resuscitation devices in HEMS as well as some potential complications.