In November 2010, the latest guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation were published by the American Heart Association (AHA). There are 16 parts to the guidelines addressing cardiac arrest, post- arrest care, dysrhythmias, acute coronary syndromes, stroke and special situations in which cardiac arrest occurs such as pregnancy. The biggest change is shift in the focus from airway to chest compressions or circulation. Instead of A-B-C (Airway, Breathing, Circulation-Compressions) it is now C-A-B (Circulation-Compressions, Airway, Breathing). Airway management is no not recommended until after the first cycle of chest compressions. Compressions precede the first 2 ventilations. The main reason behind this change is the fact most people suffering cardiac arrest have specific dysrhtymias (ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia) which are best treated with early defibrillation and chest compressions, not airway management. A second important reason behind the change was the public's fear of performing mouth-mouth breathing. For a review of the executive summary of the new guidelines click HERE
To download a copy of the November article click HERE