Table 1.

Studies included in literature review

StudyStudy designOverviewPopulationSummary
Tran et al, 2012, Canada13Systematic reviewTransmission of SARS-CoV to healthcare workers5 case-control studies, 5 cohort studiesChest compressions are not considered to increase the rate of transmission of acute respiratory infections
Liu et al, 2009, China22Case-control studyPossible risk factors of SARS transmission477; 51 infectedChest compressions were associated with a 33% risk of contracting SARS, compared with 11% that did not contract SARS
Raboud et al, 2010, Canada23Retrospective cohort studySARS transmission in cohort with close contact to airway of SARS patient and failure of infection control practices697; 26 infectedOut of 26 infected HCWs, one was involved in chest compressions. Eight of the control group performed chest compressions and did not contract SARS
Loeb et al, 2004, Canada24Retrospective cohort studyRisk of SARS infection in critical care nurses32 nurses; 8 infectedThree nurses were involved in chest compressions and none contracted SARS
Christian et al, 2004, Canada26Cross-sectional studyPossible cluster of SARS-CoV infections in HCWs during CPR9; 3 symptomatic, 1 confirmed infectionRisk of transmission through chest compressions difficult to establish due to multiple confounding factors, refusal of serological testing and small sample size
Nam et al, 2015, Korea25Case studyMERS infection of 1 HCWs contracted while performing CPR1Identified three possible routes of infection transmission during CPR in this case, including the generation of aerosols
Ott et al, 2020, Germany27,28Simulation (Two studies)Aerosol spread during chest compressions in dummy and cadaver models–Limited applicability as not yet peer-reviewed. Suggested that aerosols may be generated in the direction of the provider during chest compressions

  • HCWs = healthcare workers.