On March 31, 2008 AHA announced a new method for CPR, it is called Hands-Only CPR. This new form of CPR was implemented to allow individuals to perform chest compressions without delay. Administration of breathing has been removed to insure compression delivery to the chest is done quickly. Hand-only CPR is performed only on ADULTS that have suddenly collapsed in front of you due to cardiac arrest.

When you find that an adult has collapsed in front of you:

• First call 911
• Next push hard and fast in the center of the chest

You will continue delivering compressions until EMS personnel arrive.

There are a few considerations in which Hands-Only CPR is NOT recommended:

• Unresponsive infants and children
• Victims of drowning, trauma, airway obstruction, acute respiratory diseases, apnea, such as associated with drug overdose

You can still deliver traditional HealthCare Provider or Heartsaver CPR to cardiac arrest victims if you are confident in your skills. The Hands-Only CPR has been created for bystanders that are worried that they might do something wrong or make things worse. AHA has simplified CPR into two easy steps

• Call 911
• Push Hard and Fast in the center of the chest

Please visit www.americanheart.org for more information.

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