Effect of rescuer–dispatcher communication on chest compression quality during simulated cardiac arrest

Slabe, Damjan (author), Košir, Jakob (author), Fijačko, Nino (author), Dolenc, Eva (corresponding author)

Background: This study aimed to assess the effects of performing chest compressions (CCs) while calling emergency medical services (EMS), compared with performing CCs without simultaneously making an EMS call, and to explore participants’ experiences during both scenarios. Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods experimental study using a within-subjects repeated-measures design in a simulated environment at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana. A total of 75 healthcare students participated in the study, and each participant performed CCs in two scenarios: (1) while communicating with a dispatcher during an EMS call and (2) without makiJanng a call. CC quality was measured using the Resusci Anne Quality Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (QC.PR) manikin (Laerdal Medical, Norway) and QCPR Learner app, with overall quality summarized using the QCPR score (0–100%). Semi-structured interviews were conducted immediately after the scenarios to explore participants’ experiences, which were divided into intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Results: In simulated cardiac arrest, CC quality was better when the rescuer was not simultaneously calling EMS. Participants’ median CC depth (65 mm vs. 70 mm; Z = −6.21, p < 0.001) and chest recoil (29% vs. 80%; Z = −5.01, p < 0.001) were reduced when participants communicated with the dispatcher. CC rate and total number of compressions remained comparable, whereas pause durations were slightly longer during the call (0.6 s vs. 0.1 s; Z = −3.09, p = 0.002). Qualitative findings revealed that participants experienced more intrinsic (such as physical and psychological strain) than extrinsic factors, which included environmental and communication-related obstacles. Conclusions: Performing CCs while talking on a smartphone with EMS reduces CC quality and increases both physical and mental effort.

• Language: English
• Keywords: out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, dispatcher-assisted CPR, telephone CPR
• Work type: Article
• Typology: 1.01 - Original Scientific Article
• Organization: ZF - Faculty of Health Sciences
• Publication status: Published
• Publication version: Version of Record
• Publication date: 01.08.2026
• Year: 2026
• Number of pages: Str. 129-139
• Numbering: Vol. 22, iss. 3
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-186650
• UDC: 614.88
• ISSN on article: 1845-206X
• DOI: 10.22514/sv.2026.032
• COBISS.SI-ID: 289975299
• Publication date in RUL: 03.09.2026

Record is a part of a journal

• Title: Signa vitae
• Shortened title: Signa vitae
• Publisher: Pharmamed Mado
• ISSN: 1845-206X
• COBISS.SI-ID: 31335641

Licences

• License: CC BY 4.0, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Link: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
• Description: This is the standard Creative Commons license that gives others maximum freedom to do what they want with the work as long as they credit the author.