New CPR Technique, Give Chest Presses First, Then Breaths

On October 18, 2010, new guidelines were given for CPR. The new CPR technique is give chest presses first, then breaths. The American Heart Association has given out the new guidelines. The new guidelines are simple and easy to remember, making it easier for everyone to learn CPR and practice it if necessary. CPR is cardiopulmonary resuscitation, a rescue technique used when someone is not breathing. The changes made are for adults and children, but not newborns. Always start chest compressions immediately, do not wait to put the victim in an ambulance or for any other reason.

The new simplified version is C-A-B. C stands for chest compressions, A stands for airway and B stands for breaths.

Chest Compressions

Chest compressions are now the first step in CPR. The American Heart Association recommends that rescuers push hard and fast on the center of the victim's chest before giving life saving breaths. Put one hand on top of the other and push really hard, at least two inches down into the victim. Thirty (30) chest compressions first.

Airway

Immediately after the chest compressions, the rescuer should open up the airway. It is recommended that the rescuer tilt the victim's head back and lift the chin to open the airway.

Breaths

Step three of this simplified version of CPR is to give life saving breaths to the victim. After the chest compressions and the airway is open, the rescuer should give the victim 2 mouth-to-mouth rescue breaths.

Repeat

This process should be repeated until the person is breathing on their own or emergency first responders have shown up to take over the rescue.

If there is no one present that is willing to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, it is recommended that chest compressions continue until emergency medical response personnel arrive at the scene.

If a portable defibrillator is available it can used to restart the heart if necessary.

The change was needed because many victims need chest pushes for sudden cardiac arrest to restart their heart. The chest compressions keep the blood flowing. Doing breaths first delays the time until the chest compressions are done.

The old technique ABC, airway-breathing-chest, delayed the chest compressions, the new technique, CAB acts like an artificial heart to keep the heart pumping and keep blood flowing to the heart.

Studies have shown that more victims live given chest compressions only, without rescue breaths as compared to the old ABC technique. The American Heart Association hopes that the new guidelines with the CAB technique will save even more lives.

Sources:

The American Heart Association