BACKGROUND: Limited research exists into extraterrestrial CPR, despite the drive for interplanetary travel. This study investigated whether the terrestrial CPR method can provide quality external chest compressions (ECCs) in line with the 2015 UK resuscitation guidelines during
ground-based hypogravity simulation. It also explored whether gender, weight, and fatigue influence CPR quality.METHODS: There were 21 subjects who performed continuous ECCs for 5 min during ground-based hypogravity simulations of Mars (0.38 G) and the Moon (0.16 G), with Earths
gravity (1 G) as the control. Subjects were unloaded using a body suspension device (BSD). ECC depth and rate, heart rate (HR), ventilation (VE), oxygen uptake (Vo2), and Borg scores were measured.RESULTS: ECC depth was lower in 0.38 G (42.9 9 mm) and 0.16
G (40.8 9 mm) compared to 1 G and did not meet current resuscitation guidelines. ECC rate was adequate in all gravity conditions. There were no differences in ECC depth and rate when comparing gender or weight. ECC depth trend showed a decrease by min 5 in 0.38 G and by min 2 in 0.16 G. Increases
in HR, VE, and Vo2 were observed from CPR min 1 to min 5.DISCUSSION: The terrestrial method of CPR provides a consistent ECC rate but does not provide adequate ECC depths in simulated hypogravities. The results suggest that a mixed-gender space crew of varying
bodyweights may not influence ECC quality. Extraterrestrial-specific CPR guidelines are warranted. With a move to increasing ECC rate, permitting lower ECC depths and substituting rescuers after 1 min in lunar gravity and 4 min in Martian gravity is recommended.Sriharan S, Kay G, Lee
JCY, Pollock RD, Russomano T. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation in hypogravity simulation. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2021; 92(2):106112.
Patched Local Lunar Gravity Solutions using GRAIL Data
