New, simpler guidelines for giving CPR to heart attack victims were unveiled last week by the American Heart Association. They go like this: Push hard, push fast. And do 30 compressions for every two breaths administered to a victim instead of 15, as under the old rules.
We hope the public is paying close attention to the new rules, which doctors say are more effective.
The guidelines apply to both children and adults and emphasize deep chest compressions over mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Mouth-to-mouth – two full breaths – should still precede the 30 chest pushes when possible.
The idea is to get the blood circulating to the brain and other vital organs, and that is what’s achieved by doubling the number of chest compressions.
The rules also should prove less intimidating and more user-friendly for a passerby who might be thrust into the role of rescuer. In fact, the new procedures allow 911 operators to give telephone instructions to a would-be rescuer, including just chest compressions and no mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, since bystanders are often reluctant to give mouth-to-mouth to a total stranger.
Inaction is a factor in far too many deaths where CPR could have saved lives. Some 300,000 people a year die from sudden cardiac arrest – stemming from heart attacks as well as accidents like drowning. In most incidents that occur outside a hospital, people die. Effective CPR can double the chances of survival, the American Heart Association says. So can quick action. Rescuers should not worry about checking for a pulse; they should begin the compressions immediately.
Perhaps all those widely viewed hospital and police dramas on television ought to incorporate the new guidelines into their story lines and help educate the public. Viewers just might pick up a pointer or two. Better still, perhaps the simpler rules will prompt more people to take CPR classes.
The guidelines also advise businesses and airports to install defibrillators. But the association advises that one shock – not three as under the old rules – is sufficient, followed by two minutes of CPR before another shock is given, if needed.
The new guidelines could save people’s lives, and we’re hopeful that the public will take heed.
