How to Improve CPR Effectiveness in the ICU: Best Practices and Tools

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Effective CPR is critical for patient survival in the ICU, where every second counts during a cardiac emergency. However, even with trained healthcare professionals and established protocols, challenges such as fatigue, inconsistent compressions, and workflow interruptions can impact resuscitation outcomes.

In this blog, we’ll explore some  practices for improving CPR effectiveness in the ICU and highlight how Michigan Instruments’ automated CPR devices can enhance resuscitation efforts by ensuring consistent, high-quality compressions.

Best Practices for Effective CPR in the ICU

To maximize the effectiveness of CPR in the ICU, healthcare providers should focus on the following key practices:​

  1. Minimize Interruptions in Chest Compressions: Continuous chest compressions are vital. Any interruption should be limited to under 10 seconds to maintain coronary perfusion pressure. 
  2. Ensure Adequate Compression Rate and Depth: Adhere to the recommended compression rate of 100–120 compressions per minute with a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm) for adults. ​
  3. Allow Full Chest Recoil: Permit the chest to fully recoil between compressions to facilitate optimal cardiac filling.​
  4. Avoid Excessive Ventilation: Provide ventilation at appropriate rates to prevent hyperventilation, which can increase intrathoracic pressure and decrease venous return. ​
  5. Utilize Feedback Devices: Employ real-time feedback mechanisms to monitor compression quality, ensuring adherence to guidelines and improving performance. ​
  6. Train Healthcare Staff on CPR Devices: Proper training on CPR equipment, including automated CPR devices, is essential for ensuring that staff can deploy them quickly and effectively during an emergency. Hands-on practice and regular refresher courses help build confidence and competence in using these devices, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Michigan Instruments provides training resources and realistic simulation tools to help healthcare teams integrate automated CPR devices into their resuscitation protocols seamlessly. (Read more about CPR training)

Enhancing CPR with Michigan Instruments’ Automated Devices

Michigan Instruments’ automated CPR devices, the Life-Stat and Thumper, are engineered to support and enhance these best practices.

  • Consistent, High-Quality Compressions: These devices deliver continuous, guideline-compliant chest compressions, reducing variability and eliminating rescuer fatigue.
  • Adjustable Compression Depth:  From 0 to 3.2 inches (8cm)
  • Quick Transition from Manual to Automated CPR: Designed for rapid deployment, these devices allow for a seamless switch with minimal interruption to compressions, crucial for maintaining perfusion.
  • Hands-Free Operation: By automating compressions, healthcare providers can focus on other critical aspects of patient care during resuscitation efforts. ​
  • Ventilation Integration: The Life-Stat model includes built-in ventilation, ensuring synchronized compressions and ventilations, which is essential for effective resuscitation.​

Advantages of Implementing Automated CPR in the ICU

Integrating Michigan Instruments’ automated CPR devices into ICU protocols offers several benefits:​

  • Improved Patient Outcomes: Consistent and uninterrupted compressions enhance the likelihood of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and survival.
  • Enhanced Safety for Healthcare Providers: Hands-free operation reduces physical strain and exposure to potential hazards during resuscitation.​
  • Operational Efficiency: Automated devices free up staff to perform other critical tasks, optimizing resource utilization during emergencies.​

For a visual demonstration of the Life-Stat automated CPR device in a hospital setting, check out this video. 

How Michigan Instruments Supports Effective ICU Resuscitation

Delivering high-quality CPR in the ICU is essential for improving patient outcomes, but challenges such as rescuer fatigue, inconsistent compressions, and workflow interruptions can impact effectiveness. By integrating automated CPR devices like the Life-Stat and Thumper, hospitals can ensure continuous, guideline-compliant compressions while allowing healthcare providers to focus on critical patient care.

At Michigan Instruments, we are dedicated to providing healthcare professionals with the tools they need to enhance resuscitation efforts and improve survival rates. Our automated CPR devices are designed for reliability, ease of use, and seamless integration into ICU protocols. With advanced solutions like ours, your team can optimize CPR performance and deliver the best possible care to patients in critical conditions.

Learn more about our automated CPR devices and how they can enhance your ICU resuscitation protocols.

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Training Healthcare Staff on CPR Devices: Best Practices

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In a cardiac emergency, every second counts. Automated CPR devices, from Michigan Instruments, provide consistent, high-quality chest compressions, ensuring optimal circulation during resuscitation efforts  Properly training your healthcare staff to use an automated CPR machine can significantly impact patient survival rates….

Read more
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Empowering Heroes: How CPR Devices Improve Outcomes for Healthcare Professionals and First Responders

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automated cpr device

The Impact of Automated CPR Devices 

Every single day, approximately 1,000 people rely on first responders for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest emergencies. The ability of healthcare workers and first responders to deliver effective, consistent chest compressions can mean the difference between life and death. 

While manual CPR is an essential skill, automated CPR devices have revolutionized the field, offering life-saving precision and freeing up rescuers to focus on other vital tasks.

The Role of Automated CPR in Modern Emergency Care

For first responders working in high-stress environments—such as during transport to a hospital or in the chaotic aftermath of a disaster—automated CPR devices bring much-needed stability. By handling the physical demands of chest compressions, these devices allow teams to monitor vital signs, administer medications, and perform advanced life-saving interventions without interruption. 

By providing consistent chest compressions at the optimal depth and rate recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA), automated CPR devices reduces the variability and fatigue associated with manual compressions and ensures that high-quality CPR is delivered for extended periods, even in challenging scenarios.

Offering An Extra Set of Hands in Emergencies

In emergency medical situations, time and resources are often stretched thin. Thankfully, automated CPR devices can serve as an invaluable extra set of “hands,” ensuring high-quality compressions while freeing up staff to manage other critical tasks. 

The rise of such technology couldn’t have come at a better time; The EMS staffing crisis has become dire. Recent studies highlight turnover rates for EMTs and paramedics ranging from 20% to 30% annually, meaning a complete staff turnover can occur roughly every four years. This turnover is partially driven by high stress and burnout, with many EMS providers leaving the profession due to job dissatisfaction and poor working conditions. 

Unfortunately, these staffing shortages have a direct impact on patient care, leading to longer response times and difficulties in transferring patients to higher levels of care. Automated CPR devices alleviate some of this burden, enabling smaller or overstretched teams to maintain high-quality care even during personnel shortages. 

Additionally, by performing the physically demanding task of chest compressions, these devices may even help ease some of the stress and burnout that many responders suffer from, hopefully leading to lower turnover rates in the field.

Addressing the Mental Health Challenges of First Responders

First responders often face significant mental health challenges. In fact, it’s estimated that 30% of first responders develop mental health issues including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation due to exposure to challenging, dangerous, and draining situations. 

Alarmingly, a firefighter is three times more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty. Statistics like these make it clear that the mental health of our nation’s first responders must be addressed and remediated in innovative and unconventional ways.

By using automated CPR devices, we can help play a role in supporting the mental health of first responders. Automated CPR devices reduce the physical and emotional burden of manual chest compressions and allow responders to focus on less physically taxing tasks. They can also help improve patient outcomes, lowering the likelihood of first responders losing patients as well as prevent burnout and job dissatisfaction. 

Addressing these challenges holistically allows agencies to foster a healthier, more resilient workforce, ultimately improving care for both patients and the professionals who serve them.

Easing the Burden on Healthcare Professionals 

The use of automated CPR devices in emergency protocols, in pre-hospital settings, during transport and inside the hospital has significantly improved the lives of patients and the teams who care for them. On a daily basis, devices like the Michigan Instruments’ Life-Stat and Thumper help healthcare professionals and emergency responders to more efficiently do their jobs– and save lives– through:

Improved Patient Care

Mechanical CPR devices have the ability to improve survival rates of patients as well as improve the care they receive, since first responders are able to focus on other needs and life-saving measures.    

Reduced Rescuer Fatigue 

Manual CPR can be exhausting, especially over long periods. Automated devices relieve this burden, taking the physical and mental toll off of first responders.

Enhanced Safety During Transport

Performing CPR in a moving ambulance is inherently risky, but automated CPR devices ensure compressions remain effective and continuous, even during transit.

Support for Training and Simulation

Automated CPR devices are invaluable tools in teaching proper CPR techniques and simulating real-life emergencies, helping healthcare teams and first responders get and stay prepared.

Michigan Instruments Has Been Empowering Heroes For 70 Years 

Michigan Instruments has been a leader in life-saving technology since 1964, and we remain dedicated to supporting the heroes on the front lines of medical emergencies today. Our automated CPR devices are engineered to be reliable, effective, and easy to use so that first responders get the patient support they need when it matters most. 

Whether you’re in the field or the hospital, you can trust Michigan Instruments to empower your team and improve patient outcomes, resulting in happier, healthier healthcare professionals and first responders.

Learn more about how our advanced automated CPR devices can make a difference for your team.

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When Every Compression Matters, Nothing Beats Our Automated CPR Devices

automated CPR devices

In a cardiac emergency, every second counts– and so does every chest compression. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, better known as CPR, is one of the most crucial interventions to improve the survival rate of a patient experiencing cardiac arrest. In fact, the National Library of Medicine reports that for every minute without CPR, the patient’s survival rate decreases by 7-10%. 

High-quality CPR works by sustaining oxygenated blood flow to the brain and vital organs until advanced care is available. Unfortunately, high-quality CPR is not always available. Manual CPR requires precision and consistency, which can be difficult for even the most highly skilled responders to provide. For this reason, automated CPR devices have become the go-to device to save lives. 

The Limitations and Repercussions of Manual CPR

While it’s true that any compressions are more beneficial than none, manual CPR is easy to learn but difficult to perform successfully. Studies show that even the most experienced responders begin to tire after just two minutes of continuous chest compressions. 

Rescuer fatigue can mean a reduction in compression depth, rate, and consistency, all of which can lessen a patient’s chance of survival. Thankfully, taking human error out of the equation is possible with automated CPR devices, which provide high-quality CPR every single time.

Minimizing Interruptions, Maximizing Life-Saving Results

With lives at risk, every single compression matters. Automated CPR devices provide continuous, hands-free compressions that meet AHA guidelines, allowing emergency responders and healthcare professionals to maintain high-quality CPR without the risk of fatigue or human error as outlined above. 

Plus, because Michigan Instruments’ automated CPR machines are so easy to set up and use, caregivers can quickly transition from manual to automated compressions, minimizing interruptions and ensuring that the patient receives optimal care.

What Defines High-Quality CPR?

The American Heart Association (AHA) has specific criteria for high-quality CPR in order to maximize its life-saving potential. These guidelines include:

  • Compression fraction >80%: Ensuring compressions are continuous with minimal interruption
  • Compression rate of 100-120 per minute: Achieving an ideal pace for effective blood flow
  • Compression depth of at least 50 mm (2 inches) in adults and at least 1/3 the AP dimension of the chest in infants and children
  • Minimal interruptions: Ensuring consistency throughout resuscitation
  • Avoiding excessive ventilation: Preventing complications from too much air intake

Maintaining these standards manually can be both physically and mentally exhausting. Automated CPR machines provide the consistent force, rate, and depth needed to meet these standards without interruption.

Automated CPR Saves Lives  

Michigan Instruments has been a pioneer in CPR technology for over 60 years. Our devices have helped countless healthcare providers, emergency medical technicians, and first responders deliver uninterrupted, high-quality CPR to patients in need. Our commitment to quality and innovation in hands-free CPR technology empowers medical professionals to deliver the best care when it matters most.

We offer two automated CPR devices, including:

  • Life-Stat: Engineered for precision and ease of use, the Life-Stat Automated CPR Machine is the only CPR device on the market today that meets the AHA CPR guidelines for both chest compression and ventilation.
  • Thumper: A lightweight, portable automated CPR device designed for rapid deployment in emergencies, making it ideal for on-scene and in-transit resuscitation.

With these devices, medical personnel can focus on additional life-saving interventions, confident their patients are receiving effective, uninterrupted compressions.

Rely on Michigan Instruments for Your Automated CPR Needs

CPR can save lives—and automated CPR can make all the difference in critical situations. Interested in learning more about how our Life-Stat and Thumper devices can help you deliver high-quality CPR? Contact Michigan Instruments to explore how our automated CPR solutions are transforming cardiac emergency care and supporting medical teams around the world.

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CPR Devices vs. AEDs: Exploring the Critical Distinctions in Emergency Response Tools

emergency response tools

The heart and lungs are two  vital organs. Both are essential for sustaining life. When either of these organs stop functioning properly, immediate intervention is critical to prevent irreversible damage or death. 

When a person suffers cardiac arrest, life-saving technologies like CPR (CPR machines) and AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) play crucial roles in maintaining circulation, restoring normal heart rhythms, and ultimately saving lives. 

Two Distinct Devices with Two Distinct Functions

While AEDs and Automated CPR devices  are both designed to preserve life when organs fail, they each have their own very distinct functions. Understanding the differences between these two  devices and how they work together is key for healthcare professionals, educators, and students alike. 

As healthcare professionals, we all have the same goal: to save lives. We know that acting quickly can mean the difference between life and death. Correctly performed CPR and AEDs are both crucial in cardiac arrest scenarios, their roles and functions are very different. Understanding these differences can improve decision-making when emergency strikes.

Similarities Between Automated CPR  and AEDs

While Automated CPR  and AEDs serve different primary functions in cardiac arrest management, they share some important similarities that make them indispensable in emergency situations.

They Both Save Lives

CPR machines and AEDs are both designed to intervene in critical moments when the heart fails, maintaining or restoring the heart’s ability to pump blood to keep the patient alive. However, these devices each achieve this in different ways; CPR machines maintain circulation while AEDs correct electrical rhythm.

They are Both Automated

Both Mechanical CPR and AEDs bring a level of automation to life-saving interventions and lessen the chances of adverse outcomes due to human error. Mechanical CPR  provides consistent chest compressions, removing the variability in technique and fatigue that can occur with manual CPR. 

AEDs automatically assess the heart’s rhythm and administer shocks only when necessary, ensuring that defibrillation is applied in the appropriate scenarios. The automation of these devices reduces the chances of human error and increases the quality of care in high-stress situations.

They Are Both Easy to Use

Both Automated CPR  and AEDs are emergency response tools designed to be easy to understand and operate.  This is crucial in the chaotic, time-sensitive nature of a medical emergency. AEDs offer clear prompts and guidance, while Michigan Instruments Automated CPR  devices provide hands-free, uninterrupted compressions after a quick and easy set-up. Their user-friendly designs ensure that both devices can be deployed quickly, providing essential support during critical moments when every second matters.

They Can Both be Used in Various Settings

Both CPR Machines and AEDs can be applied in a variety of scenarios, from hospital emergency rooms to ambulances and even in public spaces. Both devices are versatile and widely used, reflecting their universal importance in cardiac care.

Integration with the Chain of Survival

Both devices can play a key role in the “Chain of Survival” of cardiac arrest situations, which includes early recognition of cardiac arrest, immediate CPR, rapid defibrillation, effective advanced life support, and post-cardiac arrest care. 

Mechanical CPR  devices and AEDs directly contribute to this chain.   With AEDs delivering critical defibrillation and Mechanical CPR  ensuring ongoing circulation while more advanced interventions are executed.

Automated CPR  Sustains Circulation

CPR devices, like the Life-Stat or Thumper, are designed to automate necessary chest compressions during cardiac arrest situations. The key role of these machines is to maintain blood circulation to vital organs, especially the brain and heart, while the patient’s heart is not functioning normally.

Automated CPR  Gives Medical Professionals an Advantage

Automated CPR  devices are used worldwide to sustain life in emergency situations, and there’s a reason they are so widely used, known and trusted! 

These devices  are primarily used in situations where prolonged resuscitation is necessary, such as during cardiac arrest in hospitals, transport in ambulances, or complex emergency care. They are most beneficial in settings with trained professionals who can manage both the machine and other life-saving interventions.

Precision and Consistency

One of the main advantages of Michigan Instruments CPR devices is their ability to deliver consistent, high-quality compressions. Manual CPR is physically exhausting and can lead to variation in compression depth and rate over time, diminishing the effectiveness of the compressions. 

A CPR machine is standardized and automatic, which ensures that the patient receives optimal chest compressions throughout resuscitation efforts. This is especially crucial in prolonging survival during transport or during extended resuscitation.

Free Up Healthcare Personnel

In an emergency, a CPR device allows healthcare professionals to focus on other critical tasks, such as securing airways, administering medications, or preparing the patient for transport. This can make a significant difference in a high-stress environment, where every second counts and every person has an important job to do.

Enhance Patient Outcomes with the Right Tools

Mechanical CPR  devices and AEDs are both cornerstones of life-saving technology. Each plays a crucial role in cardiac arrest management. By understanding their unique functions and how they complement each other, healthcare professionals can greatly enhance patient outcomes. For healthcare students, educators, and professionals, hands-on experience is invaluable in mastering the use of these devices. In a field where every second counts, being fully equipped with practical knowledge of CPR devices can be the difference between life and death.

Take Your Knowledge to the Next Level

Ready to take your understanding of CPR technology to the next level? Michigan Instruments offers a range of advanced CPR devices that provide real-world, hands-on training. Whether you’re a healthcare professional looking to refine your skills or an educator seeking to enhance your curriculum, explore our products and request a quote to experience the future of life-saving technology firsthand.

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The History of Michigan Instruments: How One Man’s Vision Transformed Emergency Medicine Worldwide

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michigan instruments

In the early 1960s, a revolutionary concept was born in the unlikeliest of places and changed the world of emergency medicine forever. The groundbreaking idea, nurtured by Clare Barkalow, would later lead to the development of some of the most innovative CPR devices in history and the founding of Michigan Instruments. 

The journey began in Grand Rapids, Michigan in the Advanced Engineering Projects department at Lear Siegler, where Barkalow was working as an engineer in 1962. It was here that Barkalow envisioned and developed a device that could automate chest compressions during cardiac arrest. 

This invention, known as the External Cardiac Compressor (ECC), was initially tested on dogs and baboons, and the results were astonishing: 24 animals were successfully resuscitated after 90 minutes of fibrillation. These early successes hinted at the potential of automated CPR, but the full vision had yet to be realized.

Going Solo: The Founding of Michigan Instruments 

Despite the promising results and groundbreaking potential, Lear Siegler was not interested in pursuing the ECC further. Undeterred, Barkalow took a bold step. In 1963, he left the company and founded Michigan Instruments in Grand Rapids, where he continued to refine his invention, turning his vision into reality. By 1965, the first ECC for human use, the Model 1001, was released, setting the stage for a new era in cardiac resuscitation. 

A Perfect Alignment: The Birth of CPR

The late 1960s were a time of rapid development, not only for Michigan Instruments, but for healthcare in general. To put into perspective just how groundbreaking the idea of mechanical CPR was, it should be noted that the ECC was invented  at the same time that manual CPR itself was formally endorsed by the American Heart Association (AHA), marking the beginning of a new era in life-saving technology. 

The ECC, featuring a pneumatically powered chest compressor, marked a significant advancement with about 100 units being sold across the United States, highlighting a growing recognition of automated resuscitation.

Michigan Instruments seized the momentum. The Model 1001 was soon joined by the Model 1002, a ventilator designed to work alongside the ECC. This paved the way for a unified device capable of both chest compressions and ventilation. 

In 1968, the two models were combined to create the Model 1003, initially known as Life-Aid® CPR. Life-Aid® CPR represented a monumental advancement in emergency medical care, as it was the first hands-free CPR system to integrate both chest compression and ventilation. The device was so successful that it gained international attention, being marketed globally under various names, including The Thumper® by Dixie USA and Sier Pulse by Siemens.

Pioneering Advances in Emergency Medicine

Over the next two decades, we continued to refine and improve our devices. For example, the Model 1004, which was introduced in 1974, featured a color-coded system for prescribing chest compression depth based on patient size, further enhancing the precision and effectiveness of CPR. 

Clinical studies, like John R. Allen’s “The use of the life aid cardiopulmonary resuscitator– preliminary report” (British Journal of Clinical Practice), began to validate the superiority of mechanical CPR over manual methods. These evaluations of the MII Life-Aid demonstrated clinical safety and the inadequacies of manual CPR, while underlining the advantages of the Life-Aid. These clinical studies helped to solidify Michigan Instruments’ reputation as a pioneer in the field, and soon led to MI listing the device with the FDA.

Clinical Studies Continue to Roll In 

  • 1978: “Dallas EMS System Advocates Mechanical CPR in Emergency Medical Services” was published in July and August of 1978 by Bill G. Roberts and Jane M. Bryan. It showed how favorable the results of using the mechanical CPR devices were over manual CPR. 
  • 1978: “External cardiac compression. A randomized comparison of mechanical and manual techniques” was published by Taylor, George J.; Richard Rubin; Michael Tucker; H. Leon Greene; Michael T. Rudikoff; and Myron L. Weisfeldt, and found that MI mechanical CPR compares with best of manual CPR and is indicated for longer term resuscitation or when manual CPR is difficult to perform.
  • 1979: “Machine vs. manual cardiopulmonary resuscitation in moving vehicles” (Roberts, B.G.) was published in The EMT Journal, showing that MI mechanical CPR performs better CPR in a vehicle than manual CPR. It also showed fewer interruptions, plus a constant depth of compression with no pause, no risk of fatigue, with less personnel, and the ability to be more patient-accessible.
  • 1979: “Clinical assessment of patients undergoing CPR in the emergency department”, published in JACEP by Lilja, G. Patrick; Martin Hill; Ernest Ruiz; and Joseph Clinton found that MI mechanical CPR performs well over long resuscitations and calms down hectic cardiac arrest situations.
  • 1982: “Mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation” (Harmon, Annette L.) is published in Medical Instrumentation. At this point, MI mechanical CPR has been in use for 20 years and is proven more effective with less patient injury. 

These clinical studies demonstrated the superiority of mechanical CPR over manual CPR, especially during prolonged resuscitation efforts or in challenging environments like moving vehicles. They also aided to further prove that it is a valuable tool in defining effective CPR, including AHA Guideline protocols. 

The Innovations Continue 

The 1970’s and 1980s saw Michigan Instruments expand product lines and continue to push the boundaries of what was possible in CPR technology. These innovations further demonstrated our commitment to advancing both training and practical application in the medical field.

  • 1976: Michigan Instruments recognized the need for comprehensive training and simulation in respiratory care, and released the Dual Adult Training & Test Lung under the trademark TTL® and VentAid®
  • 1982: The Adult Infant Lung was developed and released under the trademark LifeSpan®
  • 1984: The Programmable Thumper®, based on a 6502 embedded microprocessor system, was developed. It incorporated a microprocessor system and set a new standard for CPR research tools, helping to define effective CPR protocols.
  • 1985: Model 1005 was released with an improved pneumatic control system, increased capacity for patient size, and increased adjustable compression force.

These advancements not only improved patient outcomes but also highlighted the limitations of manual CPR—such as rescuer fatigue and inconsistent compression depth—solidifying the importance of mechanical solutions in emergency care.

Expanding Horizons for Global Impact

We didn’t stop there; Michigan Instruments’ first trip to Japan in 1988 kicked off a field study and the introduction of the Thumper® to the medical community, expanding our reach to a global market. Over the next couple of decades, we continued to innovate, introducing new models and expanding our reach globally. 

  • 1991: PneuView® DOS software with electronic instrumentation was integrated into the TTL product line. 
  • 1997: PneuView® Windows software was introduced. It was also in this year that the single lung TTL was released.
  • 2000s: MII’s products were in use not only in the United States but also in countries like Japan, France, and Ireland. 
  • 2005 – Introduction of the Thumper 1007CCV and Thumper 1007CC
  • 2008: The introduction of the Life-Stat® Model 1008, featuring an electronic control system, marked another leap forward in automated CPR technology.
  • 2014:  The PneuView and TTL products were updated.  Updating the design and functionality of the device and particularly the Pneuview software.
  • 2022: The Spontaneous Breathing Lung was introduced

With innovations and software integrations like PneuView®, our lung simulation products became essential tools for teaching, training, and equipment testing in universities, hospitals, and EMS services worldwide.

A Legacy of Life-Saving Technology, Innovation and Excellence

As a company, Michigan Instruments stands as a testament to the power of innovation and perseverance. From Clare Barkalow’s initial idea in 1962, our devices have been instrumental in advancing CPR practices, aligning perfectly with the evolution of CPR guidelines over the decades.

Today, Michigan Instruments continues to impact global markets, including the USA, China, Europe, India, Brazil, and the Middle East. Our product lines have expanded to meet the diverse needs of healthcare professionals in many areas, emphasizing both quality and innovation.

Join the Revolution in CPR Practices

For over half a century, Michigan Instruments has been revolutionizing the way the world approaches cardiac resuscitation. Our automated CPR devices have proven time and time again to offer superior performance, reliability, and outcomes compared to manual methods. 

Isn’t it Time You Upgraded your CPR Practice?

For healthcare professionals looking to revolutionize their own CPR practices, we offer decades of proven expertise and cutting-edge technology. To this day, we are inspired by Barkalow’s determination to bring his idea to life, despite his employer declining to pursue it, and will continue to be at the forefront of developing lifesaving technology. 

With Michigan Instruments on your team, you can ensure that you’re equipped with the best tools for saving lives.

Partner with us to enhance your emergency response capabilities, improve patient survival rates, and stay ahead with cutting-edge technology that’s been trusted for decades.

Contact Michigan Instruments today to learn how our automated CPR devices and lung simulation products can transform your approach to emergency care.

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Steps to Becoming Proficient in Using Automated CPR Machines

life saving CPR

In a critical medical emergency, every second matters. The responders’ ability to act fast and provide effective CPR can mean the difference between life and death. 

With over 22 million people being educated on CPR each year by the American Heart Association alone, and the knowledge that immediate CPR can double or triple the chances of survival after cardiac arrest, CPR is arguably the most critically life-saving effort we have that can be done outside of the hospital.

Saving Lives with CPR

CPR can be taught at any age, and studies have shown that children as young as 9 years old can learn and retain CPR skills. However, that doesn’t mean it’s easy! In order to effectively perform life saving CPR, you need to deliver 100-120 compressions per minute, and CPR can last up to 25 minutes or longer. 

Even for the most physically fit responders, delivering the correct rate of compressions per minute at the appropriate depth is incredibly physically exhausting. Because of this, responders often have to rotate while delivering CPR in order to give the patient the best chance of survival.

Luckily, patients’ survival is no longer completely dependent on traditional, or manual, CPR. Automated CPR machines have revolutionized resuscitation efforts, offering consistent, high-quality chest compressions without relying on manpower. 

However, just like traditional CPR, in order to use these devices effectively, proper training and certification are essential. In this article, we will discuss how to become proficient in using life saving CPR machines.

Why is Consistency in CPR Important?

Research has shown that maintaining a consistent rate and depth of compressions is critical for patient survival. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), effective CPR requires compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute and a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm) for adults. 

However, even people who are well-trained in CPR may not always be able to maintain this consistency, especially during prolonged resuscitation efforts. CPR machines eliminate this risk, providing continuous, high-quality compressions for however long is needed.

How Do CPR Machines Improve Patient Outcomes?

Studies have demonstrated that using automated CPR machines may improve patient outcomes in in hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) scenarios.  During out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), human resources are often limited, which can raise the risk of fatigue effecting the quality of compressions.  Similarly, Automated CPR devices can provide uninterrupted chest compressions during patient transport, which can also potentially increase survival rates.

Where Can You Use Automated CPR Machines?

CPR machines are designed to be used in a wide range of environments, including hospitals, ambulances, and even in the field during incident response. Devices, like our Life-Stat, are lightweight, compact, and portable. Plus, they can be quickly deployed in emergency situations. This adaptability makes them an invaluable tool in both pre-hospital and in-hospital settings.

Why Is Automated CPR Better?

Manual CPR is physically demanding, and fatigue can set in within minutes of starting to deliver CPR. It’s no surprise that fatigue can easily lead to a decline in the quality of compressions, potentially affecting the likelihood of successfully resuscitating the patient. 

However, automated CPR machines alleviate this issue by providing consistent compressions without the risk of fatigue or human error. They also ensure that the patient receives optimal care throughout the resuscitation process, even during prolonged efforts.

Who Can Use Automated CPR Machines?

Automated CPR machines can be seamlessly integrated into advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) protocols, whether on the field, in an ambulance, or in the hospital itself. They are often used in conjunction with other life-saving interventions, such as defibrillation, airway management, and medication. 

By automating compressions with an automated CPR machine, healthcare providers can focus on other critical aspects of patient care.

How to Become Proficient in Using CPR Machines

While CPR machines are designed to simplify the process of delivering chest compressions, they are most effective when used and operated by trained personnel. 

Proper training and practice in using these devices ensures that they are correctly set up, applied, and monitored, allowing for the most optimal patient outcomes. Proper training also allows users to quickly troubleshoot and correct any issues that may arise during resuscitation.

Here are the steps to becoming properly trained in using automated CPR Machines:

  1. Complete Basic CPR Training
    • Before learning how to use automated CPR machines, it’s essential to have a solid foundation in basic CPR techniques. Certification courses, such as those offered by the American Heart Association (AHA), are a prerequisite for advanced training, providing comprehensive training on how to effectively perform manual CPR, 
  2. Enroll in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification
    • ACLS certification courses include training on the use of automated CPR machines, and also teach healthcare providers how to integrate CPR devices into a broader resuscitation strategy. This ensures that providers can execute a seamless transition between manual and automated compressions.
  3. Participate in Manufacturer-Specific Training
    • Many CPR machine manufacturers offer specialized training programs tailored to their devices. These programs provide hands-on experience, allowing users to become familiar with the unique features and functionalities of the equipment they will be using in the field.
  4. Attend Simulation-Based Training Sessions
    • Simulation-based training is an invaluable tool for developing proficiency in using many different tools, including CPR machines. These sessions replicate real-world scenarios, enabling users to practice their skills in a controlled environment. By participating in these simulations, users can gain confidence in their ability to handle high-pressure situations.
  5. Regularly Review and Practice Skills
    • Like any critical skill, maintaining proficiency in using CPR machines requires regular practice. Healthcare providers should schedule regular refresher courses and practice sessions to ensure they remain adept at using these devices. This ongoing practice helps reinforce knowledge and ensures that skills remain sharp.

Become Proficient in Automated CPR Devices with Michigan Instruments 

Becoming confident and successful in using CPR machines is a multi-step process that requires a commitment to ongoing education and practice. By completing the necessary training and obtaining certification, healthcare providers can be prepared to use these life-saving devices effectively. 

Michigan Instruments is dedicated to providing the tools and training necessary to help medical professionals deliver the highest standard of care.

For more information on our training programs and life saving CPR machines, contact us today. Let us help you become proficient in using the latest resuscitation technology.

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How Technology is Revolutionizing The Future of Emergency Response

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EMS technology

It’s no secret that Emergency Medical Services (EMS) save lives during emergencies. EMTs are often working against the clock in high-pressure environments and situations to give patients their best shot at survival. 

Technological advancements, like artificial intelligence (AI), are revolutionizing businesses around the world, and EMS organizations are no exception. Technology is helping to enhance response times, improve patient outcomes, and provide better tools for training and on-scene care. 

From breakthrough technology like drones, AI, and Automated CPR, these innovations are changing the landscape of emergency medical care. 

Drones are the New First Responders

Drones are being used by EMS to quickly reach remote or inaccessible areas, delivering essential medical supplies (such as defibrillators, medications, etc.) to the scene of an emergency before an ambulance can arrive. 

Some advanced drones are even equipped with live-streaming capabilities, allowing paramedics to “see” and assess the situation to provide guidance to bystanders on how to administer first aid.

This is especially helpful in rural or congested urban areas where traffic can delay an emergency response team. Using drones can significantly cut down the time it takes to get critical care to patients and can mean the difference between life and death. This is especially true in cases of cardiac arrest, severe bleeding, or other life-threatening conditions.

Tapping into the Knowledge of Artificial Intelligence for Patient Care

AI is another example of EMS technology that is transforming the field. AI algorithms can analyze large amounts of data very quickly, helping to aid in decision-making processes during emergencies. These systems can help predict patient outcomes based on various factors in mere seconds, helping EMS providers prioritize care and act efficiently.

In addition to patient care plans, AI-powered applications are being used to optimize the routes of ambulances, ensuring that the fastest and least congested routes are chosen. AI can also assist in triaging patients, analyzing symptoms and medical histories to recommend the best course of action. This speeds up the treatment process and reduces the burden on emergency rooms by diverting non-critical cases to appropriate care facilities.

Remote Expertise Can Help On-Site

Telemedicine is also revolutionizing the way EMS providers deliver care by enabling remote consultation with specialists in real time. Using portable devices and secure communication platforms, paramedics can transmit patient data, including ECG readings, vital signs, and images, to emergency physicians and specialists. 

This allows for specialists to give immediate and expert guidance on treatment decisions, improving patient outcomes and reducing the time to definitive care.

Augmented Reality for Very Real Training 

Augmented reality (AR) technology is typically known for being used in video games to create a simulated world that feels real.  Now it is being used to enhance training for EMS providers and to assist with on-scene care. AR glasses and/or headsets can help relay critical information, such as step-by-step procedural guides or anatomical maps, into the real-world environment. 

It might seem like something out of a sci-fi movie, but this technology can help EMS providers perform complex procedures more accurately and confidently, even under stressful conditions. AR can also be used in training simulations to create immersive, realistic scenarios for EMS personnel.

EMS Care is Going Portable 

Portable devices are becoming invaluable tools in the EMS field. Some examples include:

Portable Ultrasound Devices

These compact, handheld devices allow paramedics to perform an ultrasound anywhere. This helps to quickly determine the extent or presences of internal injuries, cardiac function, and fluid status. 

These devices are particularly beneficial in trauma situations, where early detection of internal bleeding or other critical conditions can significantly impact treatment decisions and patient outcomes.

Wearable Health Monitors

Wearable health monitors, equipped with sensors, can continuously track a patient’s vital signs and other important data points, like heart rate, oxygen saturation, and more. 

This continuous monitoring can alert EMS providers to changes in a patient’s condition, allowing for timely interventions and more informed treatment decisions.

Automated CPR Devices

Automated CPR devices are a significant innovation in EMS, providing consistent and high-quality chest compressions during cardiac arrest. These devices ensure optimal rate and depth of compressions without the interruption, fatigue, or human error associated with manual CPR. 

Michigan Instruments’ CPR devices are designed for both emergency on-scene care and training. In emergencies, these devices can be quickly deployed, allowing EMS providers to focus on other critical interventions while the device delivers continuous, effective CPR, thereby improving survival rates and outcomes for cardiac arrest patients.

In training scenarios, automated CPR devices offer valuable hands-on experience for EMS personnel, ensuring they are well-prepared to use the technology in real-life situations. Devices like Life-Stat and Thumper, used with realistic mannequins, help trainees perfect their technique and build confidence in responding to cardiac emergencies.

Learn More About How Our Devices Can Enhance Emergency Response

As technological advancements progress, the future of emergency medical care looks promising, offering hope and improved outcomes for patients in critical situations—and our mission is to contribute to this cause.

For more information on using Michigan Instruments’ technology to enhance emergency care, visit www.michiganinstruments.com.

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Michigan Instruments’ Life-Saving Efforts: Real Stories from Real Patients

survivor stories

In the world of emergency medical care, every second counts. Swift intervention by emergency responders and bystanders can mean the difference between life and death. It’s because of this urgency that our innovative products, like Life-Stat and Thumper, have become lifelines in critical moments. 

The following survivor stories showcase how our breakthrough innovations are rewriting the narrative of medical emergencies and saving lives every day.

Life-Stat and Leonard Osborn’s Miracle

In Farmdale, Ohio, Leonard Osborn faced a harrowing ordeal when he suddenly went into cardiac arrest. His heartbeat went silent for a staggering 16 minutes. The swift response of Osborn’s family, who dialed 911, and the Johnston Fire Department’s use of Michigan Instruments’ Life-Stat mechanical CPR device, turned the tide of fate. 

Within minutes of being connected to the Life-Stat, Osborn regained a heartbeat, which is a testament to the Life-Stat’s effectiveness.

The Life-Stat: Michigan Instruments’ Mechanical CPR Device

The Life-Stat isn’t just another piece of equipment; it’s a game-changer in emergency medical care. Lightweight and user-friendly, Life-Stat delivers continuous chest compressions with precision, seamlessly transitioning from manual CPR without disrupting compressions. 

”It was amazing to see how it worked and to know how effective of a tool it is.” – Mary Kay Sly, First Responder on Scene.

Osborn’s case highlights its remarkable impact, as noted by Mary Kay Sly from the Johnston Fire Department, who witnessed its life-saving prowess firsthand.

How The Life-Stat Saved Osborn’s Life

“There is no way a person could keep up with the amount of compressions it often takes in a situation like this,” said Dr. Jeffery Bedlion, the medical director for Johnson Township EMS, when asked about using mechanical CPR to save Osborn’s life. Bedlion’s statement emphasizes the superiority of mechanical CPR over manual methods. 

The Life-Stat ensures that consistent compressions are delivered, allowing first responders like Osborn’s rescuers to focus on other critical, lifesaving tasks. Osborn’s recovery journey, from clinical death to spontaneous heartbeat, shows just how pivotal the device is in cardiac emergencies.

Julia Sims’ Journey

In Greensboro, North Carolina, Julia Sims faced her own battle with sudden cardiac arrest. After months of subtle symptoms that went unnoticed, the Life-Stat CPR machine became her beacon of hope when she experienced sudden cardiac arrests. 

Fortunately, her husband, Jeff, and daughter, Brett, were in the same room when Julia’s arrest hit her. Both immediately sprang into action; Jeff dialed 911 and followed the operator’s instructions on how to manually deliver CPR while Brett assisted. 

A Greensboro EMS unit arrived on the scene only four minutes later, and after 12 shocks by a defibrillator and 45 minutes of uninterrupted, automated CPR, Julia defied the odds and emerged from the brink of tragedy.

Undetected Symptoms of Cardiac Arrest Can Become Deadly

Julia’s story sheds light on the importance of recognizing cardiac arrest symptoms, especially in women where symptoms can differ. For months prior to the cardiac arrest that nearly took her life, Julia experienced symptoms that she wrote off as the flu. Now, her dedication to educating others about these silent warnings is a testament to her resilience and the life-saving capabilities of devices like the Life-Stat.

Symptoms of a potential cardiac arrest can include:

  • pressure/pain in the upper back
  • exhaustion
  • Insomnia
  • indigestion
  • vomiting

Hypothermia Survival with Michigan Instruments

Beyond cardiac emergencies, Michigan Instruments’ impact extends to diverse medical crises. For example, a patient’s survival from severe hypothermia was credited in part to the Life-Stat automated CPR device. This showcases its versatility and effectiveness in many different critical situations.

A 56-year-old man was found unresponsive and face down in the snow one winter day in severe hypothermic condition. He was experiencing ventricular fibrillation, considered the most serious cardiac rhythm disturbance, and his body temperature was just 25 degrees Celsius. 

Using the Life-Stat automated CPR Device, an intravascular warming catheter, and an esophageal warming device his temperature rose from 25 degrees to 30 degrees Celsius (77°F to 82°F) after 3 hours and 45 minutes. The patient was given an epinephrine drip and additional shocks, at which time he opened his eyes and moved his extremities. 

Only one hour later, he was able to follow commands while still on a ventilator.

CPR Machines Increases Chances of Survival

Although all on the brink of disaster, these survivor stories are underlined in resilience, innovation, and hope. Michigan Instruments’ CPR devices and other breakthrough products aren’t just tools; they are lifelines that bridge the gap between crisis and recovery. 

As we celebrate the victories of these patients and our devices, we must also give credit to the first responders, medical professionals, and innovators who make these miracles possible every day.

We will continue to be at the forefront of medical innovation and redefine what’s possible in emergency care. We marvel at the bravery of the survivors for telling their stories, and the profound impact of technology in the realm of healthcare. These stories are incredible reminders that every heartbeat counts, and every second matters.

Learn more about our automated CPR devices and how they can be used in both hospital and pre-hospital settings. Contact us today.

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How to Provide High Quality CPR for Special Populations

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high quality cpr

CPR is a critical life-saving technique that can make all the difference in emergencies. However, tailoring CPR efforts is critically important for special populations such as infants, children, the morbidly obese, and elderly patients. 

Each year in the United States, over 15,000 hospitalized children receive CPR for cardiac arrest, and between 10-20% do not survive the event. Similarly, for those who are hospitalized and over the age of 65, only about 18% survive.  In addition, with the rise of heart conditions related to obesity, there is an increase in the need for CPR to treat larger patients.  

Manual CPR Techniques for Special Populations

In emergency situations involving infants, children, obese and elderly patients, manual CPR techniques play a vital role in sustaining life until advanced medical care can be provided. Careful attention to detail, such as adjusting compression depth, rate, and airway management based on the patient’s age and condition, is crucial for effective resuscitation. 

Healthcare providers must also consider factors like anatomical differences due to age, size and condition, the potential for rescuer fatigue, and more, emphasizing the need for specialized training and ongoing skill development in CPR for these special populations.

Let’s take a look at the best practices for CPR for some of these specialized populations.

Infants: Delicate Care for Tiny Lives

  • Use gentle, controlled chest compressions to avoid harm to the fragile rib cage.
  • Position the infant on a firm surface with their head in a neutral position for proper airway alignment.
  • Adjust compression depth (about 1.5 inches) and rate (100 to 120 compressions per minute) based on the infant’s size and condition.

Children: Precision and Care for Growing Bodies

  • Adjust compression depth (approximately 2 inches) based on the child’s age and size.
  • Maintain a compression rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute, synchronized with proper ventilation.
  • Use age-appropriate airway management techniques to ensure clear airflow.

Elderly Patients: Adaptive CPR for Aging Bodies

  • Adjust compression depth (2 inches) and rate (100 to 120 compressions per minute) based on the patient’s chest size and condition.
  • Continuously monitor vital signs and adjust CPR technique as needed.
  • Consider potential rescuer fatigue during prolonged CPR efforts and rotate providers if necessary.

The Problem with Manual CPR in Special Instances

While manual CPR techniques are critically important, they can pose challenges in providing consistent and effective compressions, especially with the morbidly obese where adequate compression depth can be particularly difficult.   

Factors such as rescuer fatigue, variations in compression depth and rate, and the need for precise adjustments based on each individual patient can impact CPR outcomes.

How Michigan Instruments Can Help 

Automated CPR is not recommended for infants or children. However, Michigan Instruments does offer advanced automated CPR devices, the Life-Stat and Thumper, designed to address some of the challenges of manual CPR in adults, including the morbidly obese and elderly.

  • Consistent Compressions: Michigan Instruments’ automated devices provide consistent and controlled chest compressions, reducing the risk of variability in depth and rate.
  • Adaptive Settings: Our devices can adapt compression depth and rate based on patient demographics, ensuring tailored CPR delivery.
  • Reduced Rescuer Fatigue: Automated devices alleviate rescuer fatigue by providing reliable and uninterrupted compressions during resuscitation efforts.

By leveraging automated CPR technology from Michigan Instruments, healthcare providers can deliver high quality CPR in special populations, ultimately improving survival rates and patient outcomes in cardiac arrest scenarios.

State-of-the-Art CPR Devices for Special Populations. Learn More.

Michigan Instruments offers cutting-edge CPR devices that can revolutionize the way medical facilities handle emergencies. These innovations are designed to enhance medical training and emergency response tactics, ensuring proficiency and quick response times when every second counts.

Contact us to learn how our devices can assist your facility with saving lives.

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