When an adult has a
sudden cardiac arrest, his or her survival depends
greatly on immediately getting CPR from someone
nearby. Unfortunately, less than 1/3 of those people
who experience a cardiac arrest at home, work or in
a public location get that help. Most bystanders are
worried that they might do something wrong or make
things worse. That’s why the AHA has simplified
things.Q: Why is the American
Heart Association changing its guidelines?
A: Studies show that bystanders are reluctant to
attempt conventional CPR, which involves chest
compression and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. New
research shows that chest compression alone works
just as well as traditional CPR. The thinking is,
more people will try CPR if they don't need to
include mouth-to-mouth breathing.
Q: What is Hands Only CPR?
A: Hands Only CPR can be defined as chest
compressions done with out mouth to mouth
resuscitation.
Q: Does this apply to all cases?
A: No. The new guidelines apply only to adult
victims shortly after they collapse and have no
pulse. They do not apply to children or drowning
victims.
Q: Why not drowning victims?
A: Chest compression alone works only if there is
oxygenated blood left in the body, but drowning
victims have already consumed most of the oxygen in
their bloodstreams. They need the air provided by
mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
Q: Why not children?
A: Cardiac arrest in children is rare. Most
children whose hearts have stopped are suffering
from respiratory arrest, from choking or conditions
such as asthma. Like a drowning victim, they don't
have oxygen in their bloodstreams.
