Hands-on defibrillation (HOD) could theoretically improve the efficacy of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) though a few mechanisms. Polyethylene drapes could potentially facilitate safe HOD, but questions remain about the effects of CPR on polyethylene's conductance and the magnitude of current looping through rescuers' arms in contact with patients.

This study measured the leakage current through 2 mil (0.002 in.) polyethylene through two different current pathways before and after 30 min of continuous compressions on a CPR mannequin. The two pathways analyzed were the standardized IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) leakage current analysis and a setup analyzing a current pathway looping through a rescuer's arms and returning to the patient. First, ten measurements involving the two pathways were obtained on a single polyethylene drape. 30 min of continuous compressions were applied to the drape on a CPR mannequin after which the ten measurements were repeated.

Twenty patients undergoing elective cardioversion for atrial fibrillation (18/20) or atrial flutter (2/20) at Emory University Hospital underwent analysis all receiving 200 J shocks (age 38–101, 35% female). Through the IEC measurement method the peak leakage current mean was 0.70 +/− 0.02 mA before compressions and 0.59 +/− 0.19 mA after compressions. Only three of the ten measurements assessing current passing through a rescuer's arms had detectable current and each was of low magnitude. All measurements were well below the maximum IEC recommendations of 3.5 mA RMS and 5.0 mA peak.

Polyethylene may facilitate safe HOD even after long durations of compressions. Current looping through a rescuer's arms is likely of insignificant magnitude.