Rescuers may vary their side of approach to a casualty without impact on cardiopulmonary resuscitation performance

Aim To determine whether cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) performance is influenced by a rescuer's preferred side of approach. Methods Eighty-three first-year healthcare students were enrolled in a prospective randomised crossover study comparing chest compression quality during uninterrupted chest compression CPR after approach from both their preferred and non-preferred sides. Results Chest compression quality was not dependent on rescuers' sidedness preference; neither mean compression rate and depth nor hand positioning differed between sides of approach. Conclusions No link exists between the side from which a rescuer approaches, or prefers to approach, a casualty and chest compression quality.