Activities during interruptions in cardiopulmonary resuscitation : a simulator study

Studies investigating the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) have revealed frequent unnecessary interruptions of life support. The primary objective of the study is to analyze what happens during interruptions. We investigated (a) whether interruptions are filled with "secondary activities", i.e., activities only indirectly related to the primary task of providing life support (e.g., preparatory and diagnostic activities), and (b) whether all group members focus on the same secondary activity during interruptions, thus impeding group coordination, and detracting from the primary task of providing life support.