[neokles]

Chest compression-only CPR

Dear Neoklis,

On 31.03.2008, the American Heart Association (AHA) issued a statement recommending that bystanders who witness the sudden collapse of an adult should give chest compressions without ventilations, so-called ‘hands-only’ CPR.

The European Resuscitation Council (ERC) has reviewed the studies published since its current guidelines were introduced in 2005, and has concluded that there is insufficient evidence to make any changes at this time. The Council has, therefore, issued a statement confirming its advice that CPR should consist of alternating 30 chest compressions, of adequate force and depth, at a rate of 100/minute, with 2 mouth-to-mouth ventilations. The rescuer(s) should ensure that ventilations cause minimal interruption of chest compressions. For those rescuers who are unwilling or unable to give mouth-to-mouth ventilations, chest compression-only is much more acceptable than performing no CPR at all.

Both statements can be found at:
The AHA statement: http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/reprint/CIRCULATIONAHA.107.189380
The ERC statement: http://www.erc.edu/index.php/docLibrary/en/viewDoc/775/3/