Quantitative effects of mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation devices in rural American emergency medical services: a retrospective cohort study

Current rural mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation device use can have a negative effect on prompt delivery of vital interventions. Our findings suggest that improvements to equipment training may help remedy improper utilization of mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation devices. Delaying application of mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation devices until time-sensitive interventions are complete may result in a better standard of care. Proper use of mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation devices may help to overcome inherent difficulties faced by rural prehospital clinicians.