.png)
The Red Cross has undergone several changes over the years when it comes to CPR training. One of the newest things that the Red Cross is teaching in their courses is compression-only CPR for the lay rescuer.
This new technique of performing CPR has recently emerged based on research that was published in the Circulation journal and based on new evidence released from the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR).
When a person collapses suddenly, performing consistent chest compressions will pump the heart and circulate the oxygen that is already in the person’s body. The goal is to keep the blood moving until emergency services arrive. The Red Cross acknowledges that compression-only CPR is a great alternative for those who are unwilling, uncertain, or unable to provide “full CPR†which includes rescue breaths. "Full CPR†consists of 30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths on adults, children and babies.
There are cases where compression-only CPR should not be used and rescue breaths are necessary, such as a drowning person or when a respiratory emergency may have caused a cardiac arrest. It is also not recommended on a child or a baby. Children and babies don’t often go down due to cardiac events, they will often collapse due to a respiratory emergency such as anaphylaxis or asthma, or a choking emergency. Because it’s more of an airway related emergency, children and babies require rescue breaths in conjunction with compressions.
“Compression-only CPR is giving continuous chest compressions of approximately 100 compressions per minute, without giving rescue breaths,†says Rick Caissie, National Director, First Aid, and Swimming & Water Safety.
It’s important for lay rescuers to know that the CPR and AED training they have received is not out of date or incorrect. The Red Cross will still continue to teach full CPR with rescue breaths but also include compression-only CPR training. The basic steps remain the same:
CPR is easy to learn and can save lives. It is important to keep your training up to date and to practice your skills. There are several organizations that provide training such as the Red Cross, St. John’s Ambulance, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Contact your local provider today and book your course.
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
Jodi is an authorized Red Cross Training partner who worked her way through school and graduated from the University of Waterloo with a degree in English, focusing on documentation and writing. She has written articles, edited books, created leadership best practices manuals, provided content to websites and created end-user guides. She was even a content provider for magazines such as Reps! Magazine, Status Magazine, Oxygen and Muscle Magazine. A long-term community supporter and local volunteer, she joined the Canadian Red Cross in 2011 and found her passion for facilitation; specializing in first aid instruction, safety and prevention. After writing an article on the world's strongest firefighter, she was inspired to take on a new challenge and in 2013 graduated from Conestoga College with a diploma in firefighting. Straight out of college, she became an authorized provider and Red Cross Training Partner, pooling all her previous experiences and expertise into her small business, Baxter Safety. In 2015 she became a Red Cross Instructor Trainer and joined the Emergency Response Team with Disaster Management, supporting both small and large-scale disasters. Having a strong background in communication and facilitation skills, she became a Psychological First Aid Instructor and expanded her expertise to include Respect Education, Violence and Abuse Prevention. Jodi maintains a small training business providing courses within Ontario focusing on first aid, safety and prevention. She continues to increase her education and experience within the community and volunteers actively in disaster management.
More articles by the writer
The Red Cross has undergone several changes over the years when it comes to CPR training. One of the newest things that the Red Cross is teaching in their courses is compression-only CPR for the lay rescuer.
This new technique of performing CPR has recently emerged based on research that was published in the Circulation journal and based on new evidence released from the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR).
When a person collapses suddenly, performing consistent chest compressions will pump the heart and circulate the oxygen that is already in the person’s body. The goal is to keep the blood moving until emergency services arrive. The Red Cross acknowledges that compression-only CPR is a great alternative for those who are unwilling, uncertain, or unable to provide “full CPR†which includes rescue breaths. "Full CPR†consists of 30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths on adults, children and babies.
There are cases where compression-only CPR should not be used and rescue breaths are necessary, such as a drowning person or when a respiratory emergency may have caused a cardiac arrest. It is also not recommended on a child or a baby. Children and babies don’t often go down due to cardiac events, they will often collapse due to a respiratory emergency such as anaphylaxis or asthma, or a choking emergency. Because it’s more of an airway related emergency, children and babies require rescue breaths in conjunction with compressions.
“Compression-only CPR is giving continuous chest compressions of approximately 100 compressions per minute, without giving rescue breaths,†says Rick Caissie, National Director, First Aid, and Swimming & Water Safety.
It’s important for lay rescuers to know that the CPR and AED training they have received is not out of date or incorrect. The Red Cross will still continue to teach full CPR with rescue breaths but also include compression-only CPR training. The basic steps remain the same:
CPR is easy to learn and can save lives. It is important to keep your training up to date and to practice your skills. There are several organizations that provide training such as the Red Cross, St. John’s Ambulance, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Contact your local provider today and book your course.
Vlad Magdalin
.jpg)
