CPR guidelines undergo frequent changes and they are mandated by both the premier organizations – The American Red Cross and American Heart Association. These changes are a result of constant research and studies. The recent change in CPR is complete alteration of the CPR technique and sequence – A.B.C (Airway. Breathing.Circulation). The sequence has changed to CAB – Circulation, Airway, Breathing – it is the other way around. However, the old CPR method is not outdated. It is effective but sticking to the current sequence helps in increasing the effectiveness of CPR efforts, thereby boosting the survival rate. The new CPR technique emphasizes on hands-only technique and stays away from the mouth-to-mouth resuscitation technique. Giving simple chest compressions is recommended – mimicking steady heartbeat in the process. The American Heart Association changed its CPR guidelines and is prioritizing chest compressions. Survival rate tripled by new CPR techniques A technique known as ‘CCR or Cardiocerebral resuscitation’ has been found to increase survival rate dramatically for cardiac arrest victims. The number tripled for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest scenes. CCR is effective but at the same time, simple and more people might be open to use the technique – who otherwise are reluctant to give mouth-to-mouth breath to a stranger. The new CCR technique is an approach that emphasizes a lot on forceful and fast chest compressions that over airway management. The factor that ensures revival of a cardiac arrest patient is maintenance of blood circulation via the body through continuous chest compressions. Giving ventilation via the mouth-to-mouth respiration technique is not as important as the other technique. Giving priority to ventilations more than chest compressions is harmful rather than helpful. Theory behind CCR At least 15 chest compressions are required for building up enough amount of pressure, which will aid in blood circulation. If a rescuer stops the compression, there will be a drastic drop in the pressure immediately. This only shows that excessive interruption is fatal in nature. There is also another fact, pertaining to cardiac arrest victims. It is that when such victims collapse, their blood is oxygenated enough. All they need is circulation of blood. Therefore, giving mouth-to-mouth ventilation is not an effective idea. Vital steps –

• First you need to evaluate the safety scene thoroughly.
• Check whether the victim is responding or breathing.
• Dial 911 and call for immediate help.
• Give chest compressions to 100 compressions per minute.
• If you are open to giving mouth-to-mouth ventilations then give 1 or two breaths after four minutes and then give compressions. Repeat the process.

So, in a prolonged CCR or cardiocerebral resuscitation, is it mandatory to give ventilation? 15 minutes after you’ve completed giving chest compressions, ventilation might become necessary but only to those victims who aren’t gasping for breath. Therefore, acute observation is needed in such cases. Development of Cardiocerebral resuscitation This new CPR technique – cardiocerebral resuscitation – has been developed and formulated at the University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center. This particular technique has found to increase survival rate three times more than other techniques. The technique emphasizes on giving chest compressions without any kind of interruption (ventilation that is), along with any delay made in breathing tube placement. This is in relation to out-of-hospital scenarios. Survival that to hospital discharge also so an increase (1.8% this was prior to CCR), which is increased to 5.4%. The rate of survival also can get a boost in subgroup of patients that living amongst favorable circumstances, whereby their situations are witnessed by bystanders and instant help is called for. This allows AED to become more conductive than before. Knowledge is the essence Both American Heart Association and American Red Cross make frequent changes in CPR guidelines, whereby techniques are altered or enhanced. Hands-only technique of giving chest compressions for CPR is recommended by both the organizations. However, the most important factor that increases survival rate or help save a person’s life is – knowledge and skills. If you don’t know what is CPR, its different methods, when and how to perform CPR, you will not be able to handle emergencies involving cardiac arrest crisis. Without a proper knowledge and ignorance (mouth-to-mouth respiration given to strangers), you will delay the time (time till advanced assistance arrives) and cost a life. Most medical crises, such as, cardiac arrest occur outside hospital premises and most of the time, a patient dies because of a bystander’s ignorance, lack of knowledge or reluctance to perform CPR. Therefore, getting a certification in CPR and first aid is not only mandatory or obligatory for healthcare professionals and others but every regular person too. Get the certificate and renew the same after 2 years. When you go for CPR certificate renewal, you get to train and learn again about the methods and techniques of CPR. In the process, you also learn about the changes made in this field and how to perform the new techniques on patients. You can also get to know about the new CPR techniques online only and get certification from the same source. However, real-life scenarios and getting trained under the surveillance of a certified instructor will enhance your skill set and make you ready to tackle a real medical crisis. To conclude: Knowing about new CPR techniques will help you not only save a person’s life but also give the confidence to handle situations.