LHP E79 - Head Up CPR – Not So FAST
Download MP3EMS History is full of interventions we've rapidly adopted, often at great expense and with disruption of existing processes, that later turned out to, how should I say this..... not work. Want examples? MAST and high-volume crystalloids in trauma. Mechanical compression devices, high-dose epinephrine, indiscriminate calcium administration in cardiac arrest. Do I even need to mention backboards? The next bright, shiny thing promising to revolutionize cardiac arrest resuscitation is Head-Up CPR. It's certainly expensive and disruptive, but does it improve outcomes? What is the evidence?
Dr. Jarvis has thoughts. He goes deep on this topic, using a recent paper on Head-Up CPR to discuss how he evaluates new interventions for adoption. Oh, and he has thoughts on science in general.
Citations:
1. Moore JC, Pepe PE, Scheppke KA, Lick C, Duval S, Holley J, Salverda B, Jacobs M, Nystrom P, Quinn R, et al.: Head and thorax elevation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation using circulatory adjuncts is associated with improved survival. Resuscitation. 2022;October;179:9–17.
2. Swaminathan A: Heads Up! There is No Association with Improved Outcomes for Head Up CPR: Why We Must Read Past the Abstract.RebelEM. Available at https://rebelem.com/heads- up-there-is-no-association-with-improved-outcomes-for-head-up-cpr-why-we-must-read-past-the-abstract/.
3. Mohan M, Swaminathan AK: Heads Up! Data Dredging Coming Through: Heads Up Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Does Not Improve Outcomes. Annals of Emergency Medicine. 2023;February;81(2):244–5.
4. Jarvis J: Not so fast: More evidence needed in head-up CPR.ems1.com. Available at https://www.ems1.com/ems-products/cpr-resuscitaCon/arCcles/not-so-fast-more-evidence- needed-in-head-up-cpr-ZK2O7yt5eb8jryYm/. Accessed December 9, 2023.
5. Moore JC: Faster Cme to automated elevation of the head and thorax during cardiopulmonary resuscitation increases the probability of return of spontaneous circulation. ResuscitaCon. 2022;Jan(170):62–9.
6. Pepe PE, Scheppke KA, Antevy PM, Crowe RP, Millstone D, Coyle C, Prusansky C, Garay S, Ellis R, Fowler RL, et al.: Confirming the Clinical Safety and Feasibility of a Bundled Methodology to Improve Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Involving a Head-Up/Torso-Up Chest Compression
Technique. Crit Care Med. 2019;March;47(3):449–55.
7. Metro Fire Chiefs: First-In Responders Providing Neuroprotective (“Heads-Up”) CPR as the Standard of Care for Emergency Medical Services Systems.NFPA. Available at https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/Membership/member-secCons/Metro-Chiefs/Urban-FireForum/2023/UFF23_NPCPR-PosiCon-Statement.ashx. Accessed November 4, 2023.
Dr. Jarvis has thoughts. He goes deep on this topic, using a recent paper on Head-Up CPR to discuss how he evaluates new interventions for adoption. Oh, and he has thoughts on science in general.
Citations:
1. Moore JC, Pepe PE, Scheppke KA, Lick C, Duval S, Holley J, Salverda B, Jacobs M, Nystrom P, Quinn R, et al.: Head and thorax elevation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation using circulatory adjuncts is associated with improved survival. Resuscitation. 2022;October;179:9–17.
2. Swaminathan A: Heads Up! There is No Association with Improved Outcomes for Head Up CPR: Why We Must Read Past the Abstract.RebelEM. Available at https://rebelem.com/heads- up-there-is-no-association-with-improved-outcomes-for-head-up-cpr-why-we-must-read-past-the-abstract/.
3. Mohan M, Swaminathan AK: Heads Up! Data Dredging Coming Through: Heads Up Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Does Not Improve Outcomes. Annals of Emergency Medicine. 2023;February;81(2):244–5.
4. Jarvis J: Not so fast: More evidence needed in head-up CPR.ems1.com. Available at https://www.ems1.com/ems-products/cpr-resuscitaCon/arCcles/not-so-fast-more-evidence- needed-in-head-up-cpr-ZK2O7yt5eb8jryYm/. Accessed December 9, 2023.
5. Moore JC: Faster Cme to automated elevation of the head and thorax during cardiopulmonary resuscitation increases the probability of return of spontaneous circulation. ResuscitaCon. 2022;Jan(170):62–9.
6. Pepe PE, Scheppke KA, Antevy PM, Crowe RP, Millstone D, Coyle C, Prusansky C, Garay S, Ellis R, Fowler RL, et al.: Confirming the Clinical Safety and Feasibility of a Bundled Methodology to Improve Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Involving a Head-Up/Torso-Up Chest Compression
Technique. Crit Care Med. 2019;March;47(3):449–55.
7. Metro Fire Chiefs: First-In Responders Providing Neuroprotective (“Heads-Up”) CPR as the Standard of Care for Emergency Medical Services Systems.NFPA. Available at https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/Membership/member-secCons/Metro-Chiefs/Urban-FireForum/2023/UFF23_NPCPR-PosiCon-Statement.ashx. Accessed November 4, 2023.
FAST25 | May 19-21, 2025 | Lexington, KY
🔥 FAST25 is back—bigger, bolder, and hotter than ever! 🔥
This isn’t just another conference—a high-energy, immersive experience for pre-hospital and critical care transport pros. Expert-led sessions, hands-on workshops, and unfiltered discussions will take your practice to the next level.
🚀 New for 2025: The Creator Festival – Featuring “Burnt Ones,” a spicy take on Hot Ones, where top EMS creators tackle scorching hot wings while answering the most challenging questions in the industry. Expect live demos, interactive exhibits, and big-name influencers sharing their insight in a way you won’t find anywhere else.
Plus, a killer vendor experience, special guests, catered lunches, and after-hours events that make networking effortless and enjoyable. FAST25 is where it all happens.
📍 Central Bank Center | Lexington, KY
🏨 Hilton Lexington/Downtown (special rates available!)
🎟️ Tickets are limited—grab yours now: flightbridgeed.com/fast25
🏨 Hilton Lexington/Downtown (special rates available!)
🎟️ Tickets are limited—grab yours now: flightbridgeed.com/fast25
