Introduction: Surviving a cardiac arrest is a matter of seconds. This is why the current guidelines for resuscitation recommend simultaneous chest compressions and a hands-free call to the emergency services. The aim is to provide further resuscitation measures and medical assistance as quickly as possible. It is assumed that simultaneous telephone calls can impair the quality of chest compressions. Purpose: The aim of the study is to determine the effects of simultaneous telephone calls and chest compressions on the quality of chest compressions during basic resuscitation. Working methods: Quantitative and qualitative research methods were used. In the quantitative part, we measured and compared the quality of chest compressions with and without simultaneous telephone calls. We analyzed the participants' feelings during the experiment using semi-structured evaluation questionnaires. Results: 79 participants took part in the study. When the telephone was used simultaneously, the success rate of chest compressions was lower (70.6%) than when the telephone was not used (80.8%). The average depth of chest compressions during telephone calls was 5.1 mm less. Participants were less able to relax their chest and were less likely to achieve sufficient depth of compressions. The qualitative analysis revealed that participants felt more physical and mental effort when they were on the phone at the same time and that they were also disturbed by the phone call, which increased the negative feelings, even though it gave some a sense of security. During chest compressions, long hair, jewelry and glasses were distracting factors, while hair, removed jewelry and prior CPR knowledge were helpful. Discussion and conclusion: Despite the lower quality of chest compressions with simultaneous phone calls, the guidelines still recommend notifying the emergency medical teams. If two people are present, one should make the call and the other should perform basic CPR.
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