Testing of Active Compression-Decompression Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (ACD-CPR) in Microgravity

Presenter Information

Shannah Withrow

Department

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Major

Aerospace Engineering

Research Advisor

Pernicka, Hank

Advisor's Department

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Funding Source

Student Council; Phelps County Regional Medical Center; Veterans of Foreign Wars-Rolla Branch; Academy of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineers (AMAE)-Rolla Branch

Abstract

In collaboration with NASA's Reduced Gravity Education Flight Program, the effectiveness of ACD-CPR was compared to traditional CPR in a microgravity environment. Elements compared included fluid flow output in a simulated chest cavity, depth and rate of compressions achieved, time required for implementation, and feasibility to perform compressions. ACD-CPR varies from traditional CPR in that it uses a small, mechanical device, similar to a suction cup, to raise the chest wall after compression, allowing decompression of the chest. Testing showed that rate and compression standards established by the American Heart Association could be reached doing ACD-CPR in microgravity. Flow data showed that the fluid flows similarly in a 0g environment as in a 1g environment. Average time required for implementation was reduced from two minutes, at which point brain damage is likely, to twenty-five seconds. Greater efficiency in medical emergency procedures will be crucial for long-term missions.

Biography

Shannah Withrow is a junior in Aerospace Engineering at the Missouri University of Science and Technology. She has served as the President of Miners in Space since the Fall of 2013. She has had the privilege of performing research with NASA through the Reduced Gravity Education Flight Program for two years and through an internship with NASA Ames Research Center. She was honored to present at the Gateway to Space Conference in Fall 2014. She is also active in Sigma Gamma Tau Aerospace Honor Society and Kappa Mu Epsilon Mathematics Honor Society.

Research Category

Engineering

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Document Type

Presentation

Award

Engineering oral presentation, Third place

Location

St. Pat's B

Presentation Date

15 Apr 2015, 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Comments

Joint project with Elizabeth Robinson and Jaykob Maser

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Apr 15th, 3:00 PM Apr 15th, 2:30 PM

Testing of Active Compression-Decompression Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (ACD-CPR) in Microgravity

St. Pat's B

In collaboration with NASA's Reduced Gravity Education Flight Program, the effectiveness of ACD-CPR was compared to traditional CPR in a microgravity environment. Elements compared included fluid flow output in a simulated chest cavity, depth and rate of compressions achieved, time required for implementation, and feasibility to perform compressions. ACD-CPR varies from traditional CPR in that it uses a small, mechanical device, similar to a suction cup, to raise the chest wall after compression, allowing decompression of the chest. Testing showed that rate and compression standards established by the American Heart Association could be reached doing ACD-CPR in microgravity. Flow data showed that the fluid flows similarly in a 0g environment as in a 1g environment. Average time required for implementation was reduced from two minutes, at which point brain damage is likely, to twenty-five seconds. Greater efficiency in medical emergency procedures will be crucial for long-term missions.