CPR just got easier...

[suston96]

CPR just got a little easier—and less gross
Heart association says mouth-to-mouth not needed for cardiac arrest

April 1, 2008

From Tribune News Services

NEW YORK — You can skip the mouth-to-mouth breathing and just press on the chest to save a life.

In a major change, the American Heart Association said Monday that hands-only CPR — rapid, deep presses on the victim's chest until help arrives — works just as well as standard CPR for sudden cardiac arrest in adults.

Experts hope bystanders will now be more willing to jump in and help if they see someone suddenly collapse. Hands-only CPR is simpler, easier to remember and removes a big barrier for people skittish about doing mouth-to-mouth breathing.

"You only have to do two things. Call 911 and push hard and fast on the middle of the person's chest," said Dr. Michael Sayre, an emergency medicine professor at Ohio State University who headed the committee that made the recommendation.

snip

http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/chi-hands-only-cpr_tueapr01,1,5688192.story

There are graphics at link.

[rateyes]

1. Good info.

Thanks.

[Demeter]

2. Second Thanks

Mouth to mouth made a lot more sense for drowning victims, anyway.