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LIFEPAK 20 Defibrillator/Monitor Operating Instructions 4-17
©2002–2013 Physio-Control, Inc.
How the CPR Metronome Works
The metronome provides audible “tocks” at a rate of 100/minute to guide the rescuer in performing
chest compressions. The metronome also provides audible ventilation prompts (either a tone or verbal
“ventilate”) to cue the rescuer when to provide ventilations. The metronome prompts the rescuer to
perform CPR at the selected compression to ventilation (C:V) ratio.
Age-Airway Considerations
The default C:V ratio for the metronome (in both AED and Manual modes) is Adult - No Airway (30:2)
because most patients in cardiac arrest are adults who have an initially unsecured airway. In Manual
mode, the user can choose the most appropriate C:V ratio based on the patient’s age and current
airway status. The Age-Airway selection determines the C:V ratio of the metronome sounds. The
default C:V ratios are shown in Table 4-2.
* No Airway = No artificial airway in place
** Airway = Advanced artificial airway in place
*** Youth = Pre-pubescent child
Note: The compression-to-ventilation ratio selections can be set up according to local medical
protocols. For more information, refer to CPR Metronome Setup Menu, page 8-8.
Activating and Deactivating the Metronome
To activate the CPR metronome in Manual mode:
Note: The CPR metronome cannot be activated during noninvasive pacing.
Note: If the VF/VT alarm is on, it is suspended when the metronome is on to prevent false VF/VT
alarms. If other vital sign alarms activate when the metronome is on, the visual indicators occur,
but the alarm tone is suppressed until the metronome is deactivated.
Table 4-2 Default Age-Airway C:V Ratios in Manual Mode
Age-Airway C:V Ratio
Adult - No Airway* 30:2
Adult - Airway** 10:1
Youth - No Airway*** 15:2
Youth - Airway 10:1
1 Use the Speed Dial to select the CPR
METRONOME
icon. The CPR Metronome
menu appears and the metronome is
activated using the Adult-No Airway
default setting.
2 Use the Speed Dial to highlight and
select the desired Age-Airway setting.
CPR Metronome
Adult - No Airway
Adult - Airway
Youth - No Airway
Youth - Airway
Stop Metronome
Adult - No Airway 30:2
When the metronome is on, a message appears
in the message area that indicates the current
Age-Airway selection.
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