How to Use ResQ

Setup guide, user workflows, and best practices

Before You Start

Equipment Required (MVP Phase)

  • ResQ-instrumented CPR manikin (2×2 TPU bladder array + sensors)
  • USB/Serial connection cable (for data transmission to dashboard PC)
  • PC or laptop with web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
  • Modern operating system (Windows 10+, macOS, or Linux)
  • Calibration reference (known displacement steps, reference weights)

User Roles & Permissions

  • Instructor/Trainer: Can start/stop sessions, monitor compression metrics, add comments, export reports
  • Student/Trainee: Performs CPR; receives real-time feedback from dashboard indicators
  • Admin (Future): System configuration, calibration management

Before First Use

  • Mount sensor array securely on manikin chest under sternum plate
  • Verify all pressure sensor connections to ADC
  • Verify Hall-effect sensor and magnet alignment
  • Perform zero calibration (rest state baseline)
  • Run mock compression test to verify data flow

Setup Steps

1

Calibrate Zero Baseline

What to do: With manikin flat and at rest (no compression), record pressure readings from all sensor inputs. This establishes the zero baseline (P₀).
Expected: Pressure readings stabilize within ±2 kPa. Threshold for compression detection will be set to P₀ + offset (e.g., 5 kPa).
Perform: Once per training session or if manikin has been moved/adjusted.

2

Depth Calibration (First Time)

What to do: Apply known displacement steps to manikin (10 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm, etc.) and record corresponding Hall sensor output values.

Expected: Hall voltage increases linearly with displacement. Plot data points and fit linear regression to obtain conversion curve.

Store: Calibration coefficients saved to firmware for reuse.

3

Connect Device to PC

What to do: Attach USB/Serial cable from sensor device to PC. Driver should auto-install on Windows; Mac/Linux may require manual driver.

Expected: Device appears as COM port (Windows) or /dev/ttyUSB0 (Linux). Verify in Device Manager or dmesg.

4

Open Dashboard Web App

What to do: Open a web browser and navigate to the dashboard URL (e.g., http://localhost:8080 or deployed server address).

Expected: Dashboard loads with empty session state, ready to start a new session.

5

Verify Data Connection

What to do: Perform a gentle compression on the manikin. Watch the dashboard for metric updates (pressure graph should show activity).

Expected: Pressure readings appear in real-time; rate and depth graphs update smoothly.

Troubleshoot: If no data appears, check USB connection, verify COM port/device path, and reopen dashboard.

Instructor Workflow

Starting a Training Session

  1. Open dashboard and verify device connection (green indicator)
  2. Click "New Session" button
  3. Fill in session details:
    • Session name (e.g., "CPR Training – Day 1")
    • Student name or ID
    • Date/time (auto-filled)
    • Target: adult/child/unknown (affects calibration thresholds)
  4. Click "Start Session". Dashboard switches to live monitoring mode.

Monitoring During Session (Live Dashboard)

Once a session is active, the dashboard displays:

  • Compression Graph: Time-series of depth and rate, updated every 100 ms
  • Live Metrics (text display):
    • Current depth (mm) and target range indicator
    • Current rate (cpm) and target range indicator
    • Total compressions (count)
    • Total pause time (seconds)
  • CPR Quality Score: Real-time composite score (0–100, if configured)
  • Feedback Alerts: Visual/text cues (e.g., "Depth too shallow", "Excellent rate")

Coaching: Use live metrics to coach students in real-time. For example, if depth is shallow, provide verbal cue: "Go deeper—aim for 50–60 mm".

Pausing and Resuming

Click "Pause" to temporarily stop data collection (e.g., for feedback conversation). Click "Resume" to continue logging. Pause time is tracked separately for analysis.

Ending Session & Generating Report

  1. When CPR practice is complete, click "End Session"
  2. Dashboard displays session summary:
    • Total compressions
    • Average depth and rate
    • Total pause time
    • Overall CPR quality score
  3. In the "Instructor Comments" box, add notes on performance and coaching points
  4. Click "Export Session":
    • CSV: Raw metrics data (timestamp, depth, rate, pressure per compression)
    • PDF: Formatted report with graphs, summary stats, and comments
  5. Save files to your computer for archiving or student distribution

Reviewing Past Sessions

In the main dashboard, click "Session History" to view previously saved sessions. You can re-open any session to review metrics, add additional comments, or re-export reports. This is useful for tracking student progress across multiple sessions.

Student Workflow

During CPR Practice

  1. Instructor starts session and assigns your manikin
  2. You position yourself: Kneel at manikin's side, place heel of hand on sternum (lower half), other hand on top
  3. Begin CPR compressions: Push hard and fast, aiming for 100–120 compressions per minute
  4. Watch for feedback (if available):
    • Dashboard display (nearby tablet/screen) may show live depth and rate indicators
    • LED on device may flash green (good), yellow (needs adjustment), red (issue)
    • Instructor may provide verbal cues based on real-time metrics
  5. Maintain rhythm: Keep compressions consistent in depth and rate; minimize pauses
  6. Follow instructor's guidance and adjust technique as directed
  7. Continue until instructor says stop

Tip: Focus on proper hand placement and steady rhythm. Let the objective metrics (displayed in real-time or during debrief) guide your improvement.

Post-Practice Review

After the session ends, the instructor may give you a report showing:

  • Your compression metrics (average depth, rate, total count)
  • Graphs of depth and rate over time (showing any trends or inconsistencies)
  • Comparison to AHA CPR guidelines (50–60 mm depth, 100–120 cpm rate)
  • Instructor's verbal feedback and written comments on areas of strength and improvement

Use this feedback to practice more effectively in future sessions. Repeat sessions help track improvement and build confidence.

Best Practices for Students

  • Focus on proper technique: hand placement, body position, consistent rhythm
  • Aim for 50–60 mm compression depth with 100–120 compressions per minute
  • Allow full recoil after each compression (don't rest on patient's chest)
  • Minimize hands-off time (time without compressions)
  • Attend multiple sessions to track improvement and build muscle memory
  • Ask instructor questions if feedback seems unclear

Troubleshooting

❌ Device Not Sending Data to Dashboard

Check:

  • USB cable is properly connected to device and PC
  • Device appears in Device Manager (Windows) or lsusb (Linux)
  • Dashboard is listening on correct COM port / device path
  • Serial driver is installed (Windows may require manual driver for some devices)

Fix:

  • Try a different USB cable or USB port
  • Restart device and reconnect
  • Refresh dashboard or restart web app
  • Check device firmware is running (LED indicators)

❌ Depth Readings Seem Inaccurate

Possible Causes:

  • Hall sensor not properly aligned with magnet
  • Depth calibration curve not valid (old calibration)
  • Mechanical drift (sternum plate shifted)

Fix:

  • Re-check Hall sensor and magnet alignment (should be ~5mm apart)
  • Redo depth calibration with known displacement steps
  • Inspect mechanical mounting for looseness; tighten if needed
  • Contact technical support if problem persists

❌ Compression Count Seems Wrong (False Events)

Symptom: Every small motion registers as a compression, or compressions are over-counted.

Cause: Pressure threshold too sensitive or debounce window too short.

Fix:

  • Verify zero calibration baseline P₀ is accurate
  • Check threshold setting: should be P₀ + ~5 kPa (adjust if needed)
  • Verify debounce window (~50 ms) is appropriate
  • Reduce noise (check cables for interference, ensure good connections)

❌ Dashboard Not Loading in Browser

Check:

  • Web server is running on dashboard PC
  • Correct URL and port are used (e.g., http://localhost:8080)
  • Firewall is not blocking the port
  • Browser is not caching old version

Fix:

  • Hard refresh browser: Ctrl+Shift+R (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+R (macOS)
  • Clear browser cache and cookies
  • Try a different browser
  • Restart web server

❌ Cannot Export Report (CSV/PDF)

Check:

  • Session has been ended (cannot export live session)
  • Browser pop-up blocker is not blocking download
  • Sufficient disk space on PC

Fix:

  • Disable browser pop-up blocker for dashboard domain
  • Try a different browser (Chrome recommended for best compatibility)
  • Check downloads folder for file

❌ Rate Calculation Seems Jittery

Cause: Real-time rate (cpm) updates rapidly; may show high variance if calculated over short window.

Expected: Minor fluctuations are normal. Look at the overall trend, not single-second updates.

Mitigation: Dashboard uses 10-second rolling window for smoother display.

❌ Sensor Readings Drift Over Time

Cause: Pressure or Hall sensor sensitivity may drift with temperature or aging.

Fix:

  • Perform zero calibration at the start of each training day
  • Re-do full depth calibration monthly or if readings seem off
  • Store calibration coefficients and track changes over time

Safety & Compliance Notes

Equipment Safety

  • Non-Invasive: ResQ sensors are non-invasive and do not pose electrical hazard to student performers
  • Durable Hardware: Sensor array is designed for repeated use. Inspect for damage before each session
  • Cable Management: Secure cables to avoid tripping hazards during training
  • Proper Storage: Store device in dry, climate-controlled environment

Data Privacy & Compliance

  • Training Data Only: ResQ records CPR technique metrics only; no personal health information (PHI) by default
  • Privacy Protection: Session files should be stored securely and deleted per institutional data retention policy
  • GDPR/Compliance: If collecting student names, ensure compliance with local data protection regulations
  • User Consent: Inform students that training sessions are being recorded and metrics captured

Medical Disclaimers

  • Training Use Only: ResQ is a training support tool and not a replacement for professional instruction
  • Follow CPR Guidelines: Always follow your organization's CPR procedures and AHA/ERC guidelines
  • Estimation Only: Metrics are estimates based on sensor data and may differ from clinical instruments
  • Emergency Response: In a real emergency, prioritize patient care; do not worry about perfect metrics
  • Device Limitations: ResQ is not for clinical use or diagnosis; it is strictly for training and feedback