Something Extra, A Different CPR Technique

Have you heard of an alternative technique to standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)?  The alternative method is for chest compressions only (and at a rate of 100 per minute)  without pausing to administer mouth-to-mouth breathing to the victim.  A new emphasis is showing up in many places for this simpler method.

Arguments for the growing support for the alternative method center upon the greater likelihood for bystanders to assist than with the more complicated standard CPR method.  The relative simplicity and lack of oral contact are probably factors in this.  Too, some proponents of the alternative method cite greater effectiveness because chest compressions are not cyclically interrupted for administration of mouth-to-mouth breathing.

The RV Service Net’s April 2010 Bulletin included an article by the same title as this notice.  The hot link to the YouTube video’s URL was lost in the printing.  This is a clear dramatization of administering rapid continuous chest compression as an alternative to standard CPR,  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5huVSebZpM

The Science Daily website provides a nice overview of the issues in this release,  http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091115191015.htm

The American Heart Association has issued a statement endorsing the hands only cpr alternative method,  http://americanheart.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=377

The American Red Cross supports the hands only cpr alternative method, http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.94aae335470e233f6cf911df43181aa0/?vgnextoid=bd39244b6949b110VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD

American Heart Association (AHA) and American Red Cross (ARC) BOTH state the different CPR technique is not a replacement for standard CPR.  Standard CPR should be administered by personnel properly trained and who are prepared for and comfortable with administering mouth-to-mouth breathing.

AHA and ARC recommend continuous chest compression is advised for bystanders who are not trained in standard CPR, or anyone not comfortable with administering mouth-to-mouth breathing during CPR.  And they both recommend everyone obtaining training in CPR.

If you see someone collapse and they are not responsive, AHA, ARC, and Mayo Clinic all clearly state you should administer either the simpler hands only CPR or standard CPR, according to your training.

Even if you are not trained, at least administer the hands only CPR, with continuous chest compressions at a rate of 100 compressions per minute.  You may save a life.

posted 2010 Apr 27 by n5rtg