Best practices - Intraop Chest Compressions

[Aortic_Surgery_RNFA, BSN, MSN, DNP, NP]

Anyone have a lot of experience performing intraoperative chest compressions? I’m pretty short (5’4”) and even with stools, it’s hard to get the leverage to compress as hard as I would like.  We’re using ortho hoods (PAPRs) for all cases right now, which further complicates effective pumping.

[RickyRescueRN, BSN, RN]

When there is a code in our OR complex, there are a large number of OR Assistants (ORA's) who respond to the room. Their job is primarily CPR/ Compressions. We also put additional residents to work as well . The nurses in the room usually have their hands full doing a myriad of other tasks which require a licensed person and a coordinator. See if you can set up your dept's code response team with your ancillary staff doing the compressions to free you up to do other more specialized code tasks.