Updated CPR rules

September 21, 9:39 PMSilver Spring Elder Care ExaminerLori Burdoo

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Chest compressions only are acceptable
as CPR now - per American Health Association
usasearch.gov

The American Heart Association has updated the suggested guideline for CPR - mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is no longer needed as a rescue measure. Recent studies have shown that rapid, uninterrupted chest compressions at 100 per minute give similar results to the older 15-2 system (15 compressions, 2 breaths).

Part of the reason for the update is the hope that bystanders, who might be leery of giving mouth-to-mouth to a stranger, will jump in and perform the chest compressions only procedure.

Of course, the first thing to be done when you're on the scene with an unconscious person is to call 911 (if others are around, yell for someone to dial 911), clear the airway and start chest compressions.

Home care workers and anyone in the health care industry should consider taking an updated CPR course for recertification.