LIFESAVING CPR JUST GOT FASTER
LIFESAVING CPR JUST GOT FASTER To shave critical seconds off a lifesaving procedure the American Heart Association (AHA) has revised its guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Rescuers who respond to victims of cardiac arrest are now advised to administer CPR
LIFESAVING CPR JUST GOT FASTER
To shave critical seconds off a lifesaving procedure the American Heart Association (AHA) has revised its guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Rescuers who respond to victims of cardiac arrest are now advised to administer CPR by first performing chest compressions, and then opening an airway (by pinching shut the nose), and breathing into the mouth. The new C-A-B (compressions-airway-breathing) protocol replaces the A-B-C (airway-breathing-compressions) method that had been in place more than 40 years.
Prior to the new guidelines, responders were advised to look, listen and feel for normal breathing before beginning CPR. “This approach was causing significant delays in starting chest compressions,” reports Michael Sayre, MD, co-author of the new AHA guidelines. The first few minutes following an event are critical for reestablishing blood flow to the heart and brain after a victim suffers cardiac arrest, since some oxygen remains in the lungs and bloodstream after an event. Changing the sequence, Sayre notes, enables rescuers to begin chest compressions immediately when administering CPR to children and adults. Newborns are excluded from the revised protocol.
Research in the last few years has yielded additional guidelines for administering CPR. The AHA outlines them as follows:
- During CPR, give chest compressions at a rate of at least 100 times per minute.
- Chest compressions should be at least 2 inches for adults and children, and 1½ inches for infants.
- Avoid leaning on the chest between compressions. Instead, allow it to return to its starting position.
- For 911 calls in which cardiac arrest is suspected, 911 operators should assertively provide instructions to start chest compressions.
Source: American Heart Association
