CPR can be done a new way, says American Heart Association

Knowing your A-B-Cs won’t get you to the head of the class with the American Heart Association, accounts Columbia Broadcasting System News. Now, C-A-B is A-OK when it comes to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Higher consistency in life-saving techniques is the end result of the changes made by the American Heart Association and American Red Cross. Being a card-carrying lifesaver will require learning the steps in this new order.

Your blood, nevertheless pumping, is what the American Heart Association hopes for

Chest compressions are vital to maintaining blood circulation, says the American Heart Association. Lives are saved when compression occurs first. The first thing to do with someone who doesn’t have a pulse and is unresponsive is to call 911. Then you should quickly do chest compression. One hand should be on top of the other, with fingers interlaced. Chest compressions should come hard and fast, about two inches deep at 100 times per minute, and the chest ought to not be leaned upon between compressions. Make sure you continue to check the person’s airway. You can do this by tilting the person’s head back. Pinch the nose and give two one-second mouth to mouth breaths, making sure the chest rises.

First aid getting a makeover

The American Red Cross and American Heart Association have also revised procedures for first aid on victims of snake bites, anaphylactic shock, jellyfish stings and heavy bleeding. The new guidelines are being published in “Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.” Red Cross adviser Dr. David Markenson said, “It is vital that the first-aid community come to consensus and speak in a clear voice on these life and death issues.”

Changes to infant aspirin and vinegar

Vinegar is designed to be used to treat jellyfish stings which is an interesting change from the American Red Cross and American Heart Association. Vinegar can stop the venom from spreading while also neutralizing it. There are more procedural changes for anaphylaxis. This goes for snake bites too. Giving a second epinephrine shot is part of the anaphylaxis. Also, stop the bleeding with direct pressure. For those who have never had a stroke or recent bleeding, you are advised, if not allergic, to take a low dose of infant aspirin in structure to help chest pain.

For more info, visit www.redcross.org or americanheart.org.

Citations

CBS

cbs4.com/health/american.heart.association.2.1967531.html

PR News wire

prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-red-cross-and-american-heart-association-jointly-announce-revised-first-aid-guidelines-105172829.html