ProCPR training programs follow scientific treatment recommendations based on the American Heart Association (AHA) and ILCOR Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. After the publication of the 2005 guidelines, several scientific studies showed that hands-only CPR can be as effective as conventional CPR in the out-of-hospital setting. The AHA published an advisory statement in the March 31, 2008 edition of the journal Circulation, to clarify and amend the 2005 Guidelines for CPR. The previous recommendation was that laypersons (bystanders) should perform hands-only CPR if they are unable or unwilling to provide rescue breaths.
Hands-Only CPR recommended for adults
The most recent AHA advisory states that Hands-Only (compressions only) CPR without mouth-to-mouth breaths is recommended for use by all people who see an adult suddenly collapse in the out-of-hospital setting. It consists of two steps; Call 911 and begin chest compressions by pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest. Hands-only CPR and conventional CPR are considered to be equally adequate for treating adults who suddenly collapsed.
Conventional CPR with rescue breathing still recommended for infants and children
The AHA continues to recommend conventional CPR (CPR with rescue breaths and compressions) for all infants and children, for adult victims who are found already unconscious and not breathing normally, and for any victims of drowning or collapse due to breathing problems. For adults who suddenly collapse, the choice is yours. AHA states that if you are confident in your ability to provide CPR including breaths with high-quality chest compressions with minimal interruptions, then provide either the conventional CPR that you learned or begin hands-only CPR.
ProCPR applauds the AHA for simplifying CPR. We have consistently taught that complicating CPR training and adding confusion to the learning process is counterproductive to the goal of simply getting people to do CPR without fear of hurting someone who is dead. According to the American Heart Association, only 15-30% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims receive bystander CPR before EMS arrives.
ProCPR remains committed to its fundamental principle of providing high-quality and easily accessible training that will get more people to perform CPR. We will make necessary enhancements to stay consistent with new AHA guidelines and recommendations. Rest assured, ProCPR will continue to provide the most up-to-date materials and training presentations.
http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/reprint/CIRCULATIONAHA.107.189380
