Ambu SmartMan© gives you an accurate objective way to assess how well you are performing those crucial chest compressions. It is the only system that provides real time feedback that you can immediately understand.

There are two ways that chest compressions provide blood circulation.  First, by increasing the pressure inside the chest (intrathoracic) it forces blood out of the chest.  Second, the heart is compressed between the sternum and the spine.  Opening and closing of the heart valves keeps the blood (with oxygen) flowing forward to the brain and other vital organs.

Under the best of circumstances, CPR can provide up to 20% of the normal blood flow. The standards set in the AHA guidelines are aimed at achieving 20% circulation of blood throughout the body, including circulating through the brain. An error in performing any of the component skills which are part of performing compressions will reduce or even stop blood flow. The AHA guidelines specify how to perform chest compressions properly.

Both the heart and thorax respond to compression rate, compression depth, and chest recoil. In reduced depth and/or reduced rate compressions, the heart and thorax are not pumped sufficiently. Without proper recoil the thorax and heart cannot fill with blood, so the next compression will be less effective and if such ineffective compressions continue in succession it will lead to loss of aortic pressure.

For more information on chest compressions download this document, "Why it is important to get chest compression right".

With SmartMan, you see a couple color bars and immediately know what you have to change to improve. For more information on how SmartMan works, download this 1 page document.

For detail on the latest recommendations on how to perform chest compressions, go here.

Independent clinical studies have already shown that SmartMan improves how you perform compressions. For more information on how EMTs and paramedics went from 20% accuracy to 77% accuracy in only a couple of minutes on SmartMan.

See other reports that are showing that training with SmartMan does make a real difference. Go here.

 Quality Matters

Recent studies show that proper CPR performed as soon as possible is important to survival of the victim. In fact, proper CPR can be an important component first step to a successful use of an AED.

Many people believe that they are performing correctly, but accurate objective analysis shows that in fact, the way they perform chest compressions needs to be improved. Real Time feedback is crucial to improving.

 Compressions Circulate Blood

If done at the proper rate, to the correct depth and with full release of the chest, chest compressions can lead to perfusion of the heart and of the brain.

Proper Release is Crucial

After each compression you MUST fully release the chest. It is crucial to a victim that you learn to do this.

Often when a person gets tired, he or she will tend to lean on the chest and not fully release the chest.