TABLE 9.5 CHEST COMPRESSION PARAMETERS Previously, ED rescuers had little more than the presence of the femoral artery pulse with compressions as a means of quickly assessing the adequacy of ECC Newer techniques such as ETCO2 monitors and accelerometer sensors allow for the rapid and continuous monitoring of ECC quality Specific ETCO2 values to guide therapy have not been established in children However, exhaled CO2 rises as pulmonary blood flow and cardiac output increases; an ETCO2 of less than 10 mm Hg may indicate inadequate chest compression technique Patients who have return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) often first demonstrate an abrupt increase in ETCO2 to 35 mm Hg or greater An accelerometer/force sensor monitor provides real-time feedback of CPR quality A sensor puck is placed on the child’s chest and provides visual and verbal feedback about ECC quality Though previously only available for children >8 years old, new pediatric electrodes with CPR rate and depth sensor capabilities are now available for infants and children