Is the Over-the-Head Technique an Alternative for Infant CPR Performed by a Single Rescuer? A Randomized Simulation Study with Lifeguards Aranda García, Silvia San Román Mata, Silvia Otero-Agra, Martín Rodríguez Nuñez, Antonio Fernández Méndez, María Navarro Patón, Rubén Barcala Furelos, Roberto Infant CPR One rescuer Over-the-head CPR (1) Objective: The objective was to evaluate the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR, chest compressions and ventilations) when performed by a lone first responder on an infant victim via the over-the-head technique (OTH) with bag-mask ventilation in comparison with the standard lateral technique (LAT) position. (2) Methods: A randomized simulation crossover study in a baby manikin was conducted. A total of 28 first responders performed each of the techniques in two separate CPR tests (15:2 chest compressions:ventilations ratio), each lasting 5 min with a 15 min resting period. Quality CPR parameters were assessed using an app connected to the manikin. Those variables were related to chest compressions (CC: depth, rate, and correct CC point) and ventilation (number of effective ventilations). Additional variables included perceptions of the ease of execution of CPR. (3) Results: The median global CPR quality (integrated CC + V) was 82% with OTH and 79% with LAT (p = 0.94), whilst the CC quality was 88% with OTH and 80% with LAT (p = 0.67), and ventilation quality was 85% with OTH and 85% with LAT (p = 0.98). Correct chest release was significantly better with OTH (OTH: 92% vs. LAT: 62%, p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in the remaining variables. Ease of execution perceptions favored the use of LAT over OTH. (4) Conclusions: Chest compressions and ventilations can be performed with similar quality in an infant manikin by lifeguards both with the standard recommended position (LAT) and the alternative OTH. This option could give some advantages in terms of optimal chest release between compressions. Our results should encourage the assessment of OTH in some selected cases and situations as when a lone rescuer is present and/or there are physical conditions that could impede the lateral rescue position. 2024-05-16T10:19:17Z 2024-05-16T10:19:17Z 2024-01-29 journal article Aranda-García, S.; San Román-Mata, S.; Otero-Agra, M.; Rodríguez-Núñez, A.; Fernández-Méndez, M.; Navarro-Patón, R.; Barcala-Furelos, R. Is the Over-the-Head Technique an Alternative for Infant CPR Performed by a Single Rescuer? A Randomized Simulation Study with Lifeguards. Pediatr. Rep. 2024, 16, 100–109. https://doi.org/10.3390/pediatric16010010 https://hdl.handle.net/10481/91867 10.3390/pediatric16010010 eng http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ open access Atribución 4.0 Internacional MDPI