Anyone who has ever undergone a CPR training in the past would tell you that, in order to perform the said life-saving procedure, you would need to remember three things – Airway – Breathing – Compression. With the release of the 2010 Guidelines from the American Heart Association, however, such is no longer the case.
The last time a guideline was issued by the American Heart Association was in 2005. That being the case, one of the main differences between the 2005 version and the 2010 version is the fact that you now have to follow a C-A-B “route” rather than the traditional A-B-C. This came about as result of the study done comparing the probability of being able to save a person using the C-A-B model and the A-B-C model. You have to keep in mind, however, that, as with any other rule, there is an exception this. In the cases of newborn babies, a different set of procedure is set in place. Of course, you do not have to worry much about this as you would probably never come across such situation involving a newborn baby.
In the 2010 guideline, emphasis is more on doing rather than on the assessment of the victim. This came about after studies have shown that even the slightest of delay in providing CPR could mean the death of the patient. If you cannot detect any breathing from the patient, you can be sure that CPR is needed.
The 2010 CPR Guidelines also placed more weight on the depth of each compression as well as the number of compression made in an hour. Based on the guidelines, the American Heart Association now recommends each compression to be at least two inches deep. There is also a 100 compression set minimum per minute. According to most medical professionals, the best way to achieve this would be to time each of the compression along with the beat in the song. “Stayin’ Alive”.
One of the major changes done in the 2005 guideline which is indicated in the 2010 guideline is the use of hands-only CPR for those who have not undergone any formal CPR training or who do not know how CPR should be done. Particular weight is given on this issue as most medical professionals believe that the simple act of compressing the heart would cause an artificial circulation. This, in turn, would enable the oxygen in the blood to reach tissues and, thus, prevent tissue necrosis (or tissue death). In addition to this, the American Heart Association also placed emphasis on continuing the compression until the victim shows sign of being conscious or until paramedics arrive. You can also choose to stop with the administration of chest compression if there is already an AED in place. An AED, or the Automated External Defibrillator, can deliver the needed electrical shock in order to stabilize the rhythm of the heart.
Get to know more about proper CPR by undergoing a CPR training and certification with Citywide CPR. You can also enroll in their AED program management.
