CPR has been improved

Rescuers who perform CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation) should concentrate more on chest compressions, not mouth-to-mouth breathing, according to new international guidelines.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a first aid practice for an unconscious person whose breathing and/or pulse has stopped.

The technique aims to protect the heart and brain until the heart can resume pumping in a normal rhythm, usually after receiving an electric stimulus or shock.

Instead of two breaths for every 15 chest pumps or compressions, the new guidelines call for two breaths for every 30 chest compressions.

For children, the ratio changes from one breath for every 5 chest compressions to two breaths for every 30 compressions.

"These changes are designed to make CPR more effective and easier to remember and perform," said Dr. Michael Schuster of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, who helped review scientific evidence used to prepare the new guidelines.

Moving more blood, more oxygen

Hopefully the changes will increase the number of people who are able to perform the life-saving technique, which can now be taught in about 20 minutes instead of four hours.

Studies have shown that blood circulation drops when compressions were interrupted, and time was being wasted after each interruption, the foundation said.

Effective compressions create more blood flow through the heart to the rest of the body to keep someone alive and buying more time until rescuers can try defibrillation (the process of stimulating the heart muscle with electric shock). The foundation also encourages greater access to defibrillators in public places such as airports, casinos and sporting arenas.

The guidelines recommend rescuers minimize interruptions and "push harder and push faster" when giving chest compressions.  

Rescuers are also now asked to start CPR immediately if there is no regular breathing.

Sudden cardiac arrest (the cessation of a heartbeat) can happen after a heart attack, or as a result of electrocution or near drowning incidents.

Every year, about 40,000 Canadians suffer cardiac arrest, according to the foundation. In the U.S., it's estimated that more than 95 per cent of cardiac arrest victims die before they get to the hospital.

The new recommendations for lay rescuers, emergency medical personnel and other emergency health-care providers appear in Monday's online issue of the journal Circulation.

Reference: Advanced Life Support