MEDIC FIRST AID on Compression-Only CPR

MEDIC FIRST AID on Compression-Only CPR
Apr 3, 2008

MEDIC FIRST AID will be releasing new support materials for Instructors and students later this week to reflect recent changes in guidelines calling for compression-only CPR in the event of a witnessed adult collapse in an out-of-hospital setting.

Earlier this week, the American Heart Association amended and clarified guidelines for bystanders who witness an adult out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest. The AHA released an advisory calling for compression-only CPR by untrained responders or those who are not confident in performing conventional CPR, which combines chest compressions and rescue ventilations. The AHA science advisory, “Hands-Only (Compression-Only) Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Call to Action for Bystander Response to Adults Who Experience Out-of-Hospital Sudden Cardiac Arrest” was published in the March 31, 2008, edition of the journal Circulation.

MEDIC FIRST AID concurs that compression-only CPR is a viable alternative in certain situations to conventional CPR, which combines chest compressions with rescue ventilations in a ratio of 30 compressions to two rescue ventilations. Our training programs follow science treatment recommendations and guidelines based on the 2005 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. Since the AHA advisory amends these specific guidelines, we have begun to update our training materials and class presentation materials to reflect the amended guidelines. New support materials addressing compression-only CPR will be available beginning Friday through the Instructor login section of our website, medicfirstaid.com.

The concept of compression-only CPR has been widely discussed since the 2005 guidelines were released. Since then, MEDIC FIRST AID Instructors have been teaching conventional CPR, with the caveat that compression-only CPR can be performed when the first aid provider is unable or unwilling to provide rescue ventilations. It is important to note that compression-only CPR is not recommended for children and infants, adults discovered unresponsive, and non-heart-related arrests such as drowning victims, and persons suffering from a drug overdose.

“This amendment to the guidelines is actually more clarification than change for students attending MEDIC FIRST AID training classes. Trained providers are already given the option to perform compression-only CPR,” says Bill Rowe, director of product development. “We will quickly have supplemental materials out to help provide further information and clarity. Meanwhile, our Instructors can reassure those they train that MEDIC FIRST AID training materials do indeed reflect the most current CPR training guidelines available.”

By eliminating the apprehension associated with the need to ventilate, compression-only CPR may encourage more bystanders to take action and attempt CPR when an adult collapse is witnessed. Studies show that when an adult is seen to collapse, compression-only CPR can be as effective as conventional CPR. Regardless of the approach, high-quality chest compressions with as few interruptions as possible help keep blood pumping from the heart to the lungs and brain, increasing the odds of successful resuscitation.

MEDIC FIRST AID International, Inc
1-800-800-7099
Fax 1-541-344-7429
response@medicfirstaid.com
www.medicfirstaid.com

Please email omnidive@gmail.com if you are interested or want additional information on costs and specific times associated with any dates in your area and your location for Medic First Aid training.