Earlier in 2005, the American Heart Association updated its recommendations for Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). If you are trained in CPR, you should review the new guidelines, which are available in a number of places (see below). Basically, the revised procedures call for:

• Faster (100 / minute), deeper compressions, while allowing the chest to recoil between compressions
  
  
• An emphasis on sustained compression cycles, with minimal interruptions
  
  
• A compression / breath ratio of 30:2 for all victims, from infant to adult, for single rescuer CPR
  
  
• Rescue breaths should take 1 second, and the chest should rise visibly

The changes are a result of studies which indicate that under the old guidelines, chest compressions, especially if performed by lay persons, were not as effective as they could be in restarting and maintaining circulation. The emphasis is now on maintaining circulation, and less on rescue breaths.

Obviously, we are not medical experts and you need to consult with certified CPR trainers for specifics. But we thought you ought to know that the changes have occured, and you should refresh your skills.

Some links:

American Heart Association "Currents" newsletter, Winter 2005-2006 issue

American Red Cross Newsletter