Effects of cardiopulmonary resuscitation at high altitudes on the physical condition of untrained and unacclimatized rescuers.

Objective: The authors experienced a case of prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on Mount Fuji (3776 m) that demanded strenuous work by the rescuers. The objective of this study was to provide information regarding the physiologic effects on the rescuers of performing CPR at moderate altitude.
Methods: The effects of CPR at 2700 m and 3700 m above sea level on the physical condition of the rescuers were studied in 8 male volunteers.
Results: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation for 5 minutes at 3700 m significantly reduced arterial blood oxygen saturation and increased rate-pressure products (P < .05). Scores on the Borg scale, a subjective score of fatigue, after CPR action at 2700 m (P < .05) and 3700 m (P < .01) were higher than the scores at sea level.
Conclusions: Prolonged CPR at high altitude exerts a significant physical effect upon the condition of rescuers. A role for mechanical devices should be considered wherever possible.
(Copyright © 2012 Wilderness Medical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)