New CPR Guidelines American Heart Assn.

[RAM]

http://news.aol.com/health/story/_a/in-major-shift-cpr-technique-simplified/20080331193109990001

The American Heart Association has now approved a new technique for giving CPR. It's easier to remember and hopefully people who are hesitant about putting their mouth against another person's mouth (especially if that person is a stranger) will use this new technique.

The new technique requires chest compression only. Simply put your hands on the patient's chest and compress 100 times per minute. Continue this until help arrives. (Of course the very first thing you do is call 911.)

This new method is to be used on adults who have suddenly collapsed or stopped breathing, which is usually indicative of a heart attack. When a heart attack occurs suddenly like this, there is enough oxygen still in the lungs and blood so that compressions alone will keep the blood moving and carrying oxygen to the heart, brain, and other important organs.

The American Heart Association warns that this technique should not be used on children. That is because when children stop breathing it is not from a heart attack but from breathing problems, therefore, mouth to mouth must also be used.

Here is another article showing that hands only CPR is as effective as traditional CPR assuming advanced life support is available within normal response times.

http://www.rcpals.com/downloads/oct42006/CardiocerebralResuscitation.htm

[Brownie]

Looks like they are worried more about body fluids/DNA dangers than saving lives to me.

Seems they change their recommended procedures every time I update on the course.

[DocH]

Ditto.Every year when I have recertified it was "we don't do this anymore,we now do this."

[David Williams]

Seems they change their recommended procedures every time I update on the course.
Ain't that the truth. :rolleyes:

[RAM]

It seems my first CPR class dictated 5 compressions to 1 breath. Then it went to 15 comps. and 2 breaths and currently it is 30 comps. and 2 breaths or the hands only method.

If the results are the same for the patient when EMS is close by (<12.5 min) thats good enough for me to not be kissin up to Mr. Green Teeth! :D

[grimreaper1973]

We just got these updates through my employer, thought they would come in handy.

1. No jaw thrust even if injury - do head tilt instead.

2. Open airway. Check breathing 5-10 seconds. Give 2 breaths if no normal breathing. Rationale: Gasping isn't normal breathing.

3. Take normal, not deep, breaths to make chest rise. Rationale: Give breath to make chest rise.

4. Deliver each rescue breath over 1 second. Rationale: CPR can resume faster; longer breaths are actually worse.

5. If on first breath no chest rise, do head tilt chin lift again. Breathe. If no rise on 2nd attempt begin chest compressions. Rationale: Provide clear instruction if first breath not produce rise after 2 attempts it is important to begin chest compressions.

6. Don't teach, learn, or use rescue breaths WITHOUT chest compressions. Rationale: Reduce number of skills to learn remember and perform. Reduce time delay before starting compressions.

7. DON'T check for circulation. After 2 EFFECTIVE rescue breaths then chest compressions. No accurate assessment of circulation. Rationale: Delays chest compressions.

8. Use 2 breaths, 30:2 (chest compressions:breaths) ratio for ALL victims except newborns. Continue until AED or EMS arrive, or if patient starts moving. Rationale: simplify instruction, increase circulation.
AED Updates

9. Deliver 1 shock then immediately begin chest compressions. Allow the AED to check the victims rhythm after 5 cycles (2 minutes) of CPR. Rationale: Most VF is eliminated with first shock; re-analyzing elays CPR, reduces circulation.

-Grim-

"That's no moon..."

[Brownie]

Good update grimreaper1973,

Thanks

[grimreaper1973]

I should have read RAM's first post from 4/5/08...sounds like (as usual) my employer is behind the bell curve...we always get "new" stuff when it is not so new...