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CPR for Dummies There are some new, easier CPR methods finally agreed upon after two years
of study and debate by an international panel of health experts. These global standards are for the
treatment of cardiovascular emergencies such as cardiac arrest, heart attack
and stroke. This new simplified approach will make the rescue technique
easier to remember and deliver by lay persons as well as emergency workers
and healthcare professionals.
Additionally, the Heart Association guidelines will now urge greater availability of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and people trained to use them, in fire trucks, ambulances, police cars, public buildings, sports arenas, theaters and airports. AEDs supply an electrical current to the heart to restore its normal rhythm. The devices are easy to use by non-medically trained people. The user places two electrodes on the chest, and the device automatically senses the heart rhythm and determines whether a lifesaving shock is necessary. The device prompts the user to press the shock button. NEW GUIDELINES
According to the Heart Association, the current survival rate for heart attack victims is only about 5 percent. By implementing new CPR methods, greater availability of AED's and advanced care, the survival rate should increase. The hope is, with these new guidelines, we can effect a 20-percent survival rate -- this will have the potential to save about 50,000 lives a year in the US. The Heart Association recommends that those who have been trained in CPR complete new training when their certification expires. The lay CPR course has been shortened from four hours to two hours. [] Similar |
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