Real-Time Simulator for Training, Practicing, and Evaluating the Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Maneuver with a Focus on Effective Learning

Cardiac arrest is a problem that causes many deaths worldwide each year. Nevertheless, if high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is started immediately and an external defibrillator is used, this situation could be reversed. Cardiac arrest can occur in both out-of-hospital and in-hospital settings; therefore, it is important that health professionals are trained and prepared for an effective resuscitation. Simulators used in most of the cardiopulmonary resuscitation training courses do not allow an automated and an objective assessment of the maneuver as, generally, they only emit a sound when the depth of compressions is correct. This automated assessment would not only benefit trainers to evaluate but also students when learning and practicing the resuscitation maneuver as immediate feedback would support a more efficient learning. In this work, a real-time feedback simulator is developed. The clinical simulator developed consists of a sensor-based mannequin and a graphical user interface. This simulator offers a safe environment where users can train and develop their skills in cardiorespiratory resuscitation, as well as practice the communication and coordination necessary when performing real resuscitations.