CPR, AED and First Aid has changed in early 2006. The American Heart Association, American Red Cross and other major life saving institutions set up new guidelines for chocking, cpr compressions, breathing rates and aed shock ratios and timing.
To do that, some 380 international scientists analyzed 20,000 or more studies and came up with several recommendations.
Overall, the guidelines -- which urge laypeople to take a CPR course -- emphasize a "back-to-basics" approach.
"The most common reason people die is because no one nearby knew CPR or didn't actually do it after cardiac arrest happened," said Dr. Michael Sayre, volunteer chairman of the American Heart Association's basic life support subcommittee, and associate professor of emergency medicine at Ohio State University.
"One of the reasons for that is the skill has been very complicated," he added. "We believe that the first step towards bystanders taking action is to improve the accessibility and quality of CPR training and to simplify instructions."
The biggest change is in the ratio of chest compressions to breaths, which under the new guidelines is now 30 compressions for every two breaths, compared to 15 compressions for every two rescue breaths in the 2000 guidelines.
"The more times someone pushes on the chest, the better off the patient is, the more blood flows to the heart and brain and other vital organs," Sayre explained.
This 30-to-two ratio should be used for everyone. This makes it less confusing for layperson's to remember the important numbers.
The rate of compressions (100 per minute) has not changed. The new guidelines do, however, eliminate some steps, including checking a victim's pulse if it has already been ascertained that he or she isn't moving and breathing. This is based on the fact that some people may not be able to find a pulse or find a very weak pulse and do not start cpr.
Another change is the timing of heart rhythm analysis and CPR when using automatic external defibrillators (AEDs). Before, an AED analyzed the rhythm before and after delivering a shock and the whole sequence could be repeated as many as three times before CPR was begun, thus losing precious time.
Now, the guidelines recommend one shock followed by two minutes of CPR before going back to an AED. This one shock has been shown to return the heart back to a normal rhythm about 90% of the time if used within the first 2-3 minutes the person has heart trouble.
An Automated External Defibrillator, or AED, is a critical piece of lifesaving equipment for schools, public buildings, offices, and even residences. Consider purchasing an AED if you are concerned about the health and safety of individuals in your place of business or at home. These life saving devices are considered to be easier to utilize and more effective than CPR in helping heart attack victims. Countless lives have been saved through an electrical charge to the heart delivered by simply pressing a button. If you are interested in purchasing an AED, there are several items to consider in order to ensure you purchase a defibrillator that best fits your specific needs. Though most AEDs will never need to be used, you'll want to be sure that you have an effective and well maintained device on hand in case an emergency ever does happen.
Automated external defibrillators are lightweight, portable devices that can jumpstart a victim's heart by using an electrical pulse called a biphasic shock. Guiding the rescuer with a combination of simple and clear voice, text and graphical instructions, AEDs do nearly all of the work, enabling practically anyone save a life!
As with any piece of technology, you are first encouraged to review the most common models. There are several companies that market high quality Automated External Defibrillators, including Phillips, Medtronic, and Heartsine. Each of these companies offers similar easy-to-use and highly effective AEDs, though with slight variations. Most are portable and long lasting and offer simple, clear voice instructions on how to restart a heart.
The next thing to consider when purchasing an AED is to look to the purpose of your purchase. Some simple AEDs are meant to be stored away until their call duty, while more sophisticated devices are deployed frequently by rescue professionals. If you are looking for an AED for a school campus, consider purchasing a device that is specifically made for the pediatric use. For example, the Phillips HeartStart comes in different models for children and adults. This is a critical distinction since children may not be able to handle the same impact of a shock to the heart that a grown man or woman can sustain. If you are looking for a device that can safely shock both children and adults, consider finding a machine that has an adaptable setting to accommodate all ages and sizes.
Many individuals are overly concerned regarding the size of the Automated External Defibrillator. Modern AEDs are very small and portable, so those huge, hulking models commonly found in operating rooms or emergency rooms will not take up valuable space and can be easily transported to a nearby location. Also, this size allows the price to be a great deal more affordable than the monsters found in hospitals or doctors offices. Quality AEDs start at about $1,200, though refurbished models can be found for under $1,000.
Regardless or your reasons for purchasing an Automated External Defibrillator, consider doing so today. Your purchase could literally save a life and should not be delayed by any means. If necessary, consider a fundraiser to raise the necessary fees when purchasing an AED for a school, office, or public place. An AED at your fingertips can literally make the difference between life and death when it comes to dealing with heart related emergencies.
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information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
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