Technical Description of Pit Crew Cpr

Pit Crew CPR

Figure 1: Members of Greenville Fire-Rescue train in Pit Crew CPR

Figure 1: Members of Greenville Fire-Rescue train in Pit Crew CPR

Introduction

Pit Crew CPR is a method of preforming CPR with a crew or team at a sudden cardiac arrest event. This method is based off of the pit crews of NASCAR. Each member of the team has an assigned task and sticks to that task. This allows things to run much smoother and allows for a better outcome. There are 5 basic roles or positions and then more can be added if the need should arise.

Description

The five basic roles in Pit Crew CPR are Compressor #1, Compressor #2, Head/Airway, Cardiac Monitor, and Vascular Access/Medications. Compressor #1 and #2 position themselves at the patient’s shoulders on opposing sides and take turns preforming two minute cycles of chest compressions. The person in the head/airway position is responsible for establishing or maintaining the patient’s airway with Advanced Life Support (ALS) skills. This position is also the time keeper.

The cardiac monitor position is responsible for placing the defibrillation pads on the patient and interpreting any rhythms that are shown. This person is also responsible for defibrillation, cardioversion, and pacing should the need arise.

The vascular access/medications position is in charge of establishing vascular access either by starting an IV or by using an interosseous device to access the tibia or the humerus. This position also handles any medications that need to be given throughout the course of the event.

Other positions can be added as the need for the positions arise. Or assistants can be assigned to the members already working in the positions if things start to become overwhelming.

Conclusion

Pit Crew CPR has changed the way that sudden cardiac arrest events are run in Pitt County. Before its implementation, crews “ran through the motions” with little chance or hope of success. With this new structured response,...