The CPR guidelines were recently changed and may offer many more opportunities for lives to be saved.
I am very pleased to see that the American Heart Association has introduced new guidelines for a Hands-Only CPR. For the would be rescuer who hesitates because they might have to do mouth-to-mouth breathing, this new option opens opportunities for lives to be saved.
The research shows that in many instances the hands only approach is just as effective in the field as using chest compressions with mouth-to-mouth breathing. For those who are also unable to perform rescue breathing, this option may also prove to be a life saving event.
The use of AED defibrillators in the home setting has not shown to be an effective process where as having them available in public places like airports and shopping malls has.
This new CPR is not for use with children as most life saving events for children involve breathing issues and not cardiac arrests.
Homeowners who have backyard pools should always learn CPR for adults as well as infants and children, and be prepared to provide mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing. Drowning is an issue involving the loss of oxygen issue and not a cardiac arrest. Each year, over 250 children drown in backyard pools, and over 2500 are treated for near-drowning episodes.
Drowning is a silent event. It isn't usually accompanied by lots of splashing and screaming as most parents expect it would be. Be safe. Be aware and know CPR. Here are a few tips from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
