Heart Association changes CPR guidelines

[liberato]

Heart Association changes CPR guidelines

 

[devolution365]

I was CPR certified awhile back, and am planning on grabbing my buddy and getting re-certified. -Especially since it seems they've updated the technique recently:

Read the story here.

It looks like the most major change is that they're calling for 30 chest compressions for every 2 breaths (it was 15 before).

CPR training is important for everyone, but after reading several accounts of heart attacks while diving, it seems even more important for divers to be CPR trained. For those who aren't trained, though -If you witness someone who's not breathing and doesn't have a pulse, unless someone more qualified than you is around, TRY ANYWAY!!! If you can remember the ratio of 2 breaths - 30 chest compressions -Great! If you can't, it'll be less effective, but 100% more effective than doing nothing. The worst that can happen is you break their ribs in your attempt to save them. If you're successful, I think they'll forgive you.

The best bet, however, is obviously to get certified in CPR!
-You want your buddy to be trained, right?
-Yes?
-Then go together!

...come on. You know you want another card for your wallet...

 

[simbrooks]

Is this part of the extension towards compression only resus?

When i got trained as an instructor it was 15:2 regardless of whether there was one or two attendants, unless you were a professional and then they recommended using 5:1 with a ambu bag. They were recently debating compression only resus as it still gets some air into the system, but more importantly gets blood flowing around the tissues - which all but stops when you stop compressing to give a breath. I am sure there will be updates for instructors in time, or maybe its just one agency doing it and the rest will follow. I am going to keep teaching 15:2 as i was informed to do until i am told to change that.

Good advice, if you arent trained, just get in there and try, but try to get trained.

 

[liberato]

I am going to keep teaching 15:2 as i was informed to do until i am told to change that.

Since it is an international consensus I think it is safe to say you have been told.

 

[simbrooks]

Since it is an international consensus I think it is safe to say you have been told.

Didnt get the memo from ASHI, who arent the same as the Heart Association, but they may take on that practice and i will await official notification before changing my proceedures.

 

[garyfotodiver]

Liability issues must be addressed. This is theprovince of the various state governments.

I believe this is the reason persons who are trained might not participate in a CPR event, especially on a stranger.

 

[Iruka]

Hmmm....I did CPR on a diver (not one of mine...just happened to surface near our boat) back in the late 90's....wonder if I can track him down since I "owe" him the extra 15 compressions per breath. Don't think he'd like it, though!

 

[liberato]

Liability issues must be addressed. This is theprovince of the various state governments.

I believe this is the reason persons who are trained might not participate in a CPR event, especially on a stranger.

But most states have good samaritan statutes that protect trained personnel from liability for good faith attempts to voluntarily assist in an emergency. Being trained can mean as little as having taken an approved CPR course. Where it is less clear in some states is if you are not trained and attempt to offer aid as above that maybe goes awry. In such a case the worst that can happen to you is much worse than you breaking a few of their ribs. From a pure liability standpoint it is better to do nothing (other than summon help) if you have no specific first aid training.

 

[garyfotodiver]

But most states have good samaritan statutes that protect trained personnel from liability for good faith attempts to voluntarily assist in an emergency. Being trained can mean as little as having taken an approved CPR course. Where it is less clear in some states is if you are not trained and attempt to offer aid as above that maybe goes awry. In such a case the worst that can happen to you is much worse than you breaking a few of their ribs. From a pure liability standpoint it is better to do nothing (other than summon help) if you have no specific first aid training.

Do you have a current list of state laws? I thought not. Neither do I.

Without this knowledge, I would be loath to interfere in a situation.

 

[chip104]

Hi, I posted this up in the other ongoing discussion about it, wondering if you guys can help me:

So for 30:2 on adult how many cycles to perform before rechecking pulse? One cycle, Two cycles or stay with 4?

I've been skimming through this document and couldn't find it.

http://www.americanheart.org/downloa...Winter2005.pdf

Thanks for any clarification. Looks like I'll have to update...