High-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation is extremely important for the survival of a victim of sudden cardiac arrest. Effective chest compressions revolve around proper compression depth, rate, adequate recoil, and minimizing interruptions in compressions. Performing effective chest compressions can be challenging, both mentally and physically. To highlight the importance and the difficulty of high-quality chest compressions, the Office of Interprofessional Simulation for Innovative Clinical Practice (OIPS) partnered with UAB Quality and Patient Safety to host the Chest Compression Challenge.

As part of UAB Medicine Quality Week, OIPS visited 77 units throughout UAB Main and UAB Highlands, during day and night shifts, which yielded 450 participants across 40 different professions for the Chest Compression Challenge. The Chest Compression Challenge involved performing chest compressions only on a Brayden Pro CPR Manikin for a full two minutes. Units sent any available staff to participate and when the two minutes were completed, participants had their score and metrics explained to them and left with a sheet that detailed their score and ways to improve.

In addition to the unit visits, OIPS hosted drop in sessions in Quarterback Tower, held the challenge onsite at the Quality Week Storyboards, and had a final session at Margaret Cameron Spain Auditorium. Prizes were awarded to the individual with the highest score and to the unit with the highest participation and quality. 

Individual winner - Alexis GainesCongratulations to Alexis Gaines for a perfect score of 100 to win the individual high score. The unit winners were the NICU for highest participation and the HTICU for overall highest quality compressions and interprofessionalism.

OIPS would like to thank all those who participated, UAB Quality and Patient Safety, UAB Health System Marketing, & Terri Poe.