Augmented-reality guidance to improve chest compressions for children in cardiac arrest

AR-CPR: Refinement and Large-Scale Simulation-Based Testing of a Novel Augmented Reality Point of Care Chest Compression Feedback System.

NIH-funded research Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11308342

This project builds an augmented-reality tool that gives healthcare providers real-time visual guidance to improve chest compressions for children in cardiac arrest.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-11308342 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

If your child had a cardiac arrest, high-quality chest compressions can be lifesaving but providers often miss the recommended rate and depth. This project refines AR-CPR, a head-mounted augmented-reality tool that displays instant visual feedback on compression rate and depth so rescuers can correct technique right away. The team will improve the device's measurement accuracy and usability and then run large-scale simulation sessions with clinicians and emergency responders to test performance across many users and scenarios. If simulations are successful, AR-CPR could be used in hospitals, ambulances, or community settings to help rescuers when a separate CPR coach is not available.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: The active participants in testing are healthcare providers and emergency responders in simulation sessions, so children would not be enrolled but would be the intended future beneficiaries.

Not a fit: Children whose emergencies do not depend on chest compression quality and adults are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this simulation-focused phase.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could raise the quality of CPR and increase the chances of survival and better recovery for children who suffer cardiac arrest.

How similar studies have performed: A small pilot with 34 users showed AR-CPR improved adherence to pediatric compression guidelines (from 17% to 73%), indicating promising early results but requiring larger-scale testing.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.