Manual versus Mechanical Chest Compressions on Surfaces of Varying Softness with or without Backboards: A Randomized, Crossover Manikin Study.

Background: Chest compression quality is decisive for overall outcome after cardiac arrest. Chest compression depth may decrease when cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is performed on a mattress, and the use of a backboard does not necessarily improve compression depth. Mechanical chest compression devices may overcome this problem.