There is a need for randomised trials to evaluate the effect of mechanical chest compression devices on survival for in-hospital cardiac arrest.

This study published on Resuscitation confirm an association between use of mechanical chest compression devices and improved hospital survival and short-term survival. But overall evidence quality in relation to all outcomes was very low.

Meta-analyses showed an association between use of mechanical chest compression device and improved hospital or 30-day survival.

In this review, the meta-analysis found an association between an improved hospital or 30-day survival and treatment with a mechanical chest compression device for in-hospital cardiac arrest.

Authors also found evidence of improved short-term survival and improved physiological outcomes when a mechanical device was used. However, no study included data on survival with good neurological outcome and evidence quality for each outcome was very low.

This review suggests a potential role for mechanical chest compression devices for in-hospital cardiac arrest, but there is an urgent need for high-quality research, particularly adequately powered randomised trials, to further examine this role.