What is “Hands-Only CPR”?
On March 31, 2008, the American Heart Association announced what they call “Hands-Only CPR”. If an adult collapses at home or in the public, it is most likely that they have suffered from sudden cardiac arrest, meaning his/her heart has completely stopped. In a situation such as this, the most important key to survival without severe brain damage is immediate CPR (cardiocerebral resuscitation).
Recent studies prove that if the collapse is witnessed, it is not necessary to provide the mouth-to-mouth breathing. The victim has oxygen available, and the way to keep that oxygen circulating to the brain is by performing chest compressions.
“Hands-Only CPR” can provide the oxygen that victims of sudden cardiac arrest desperately need. Compressions should be performed fast and hard, with as few interruptions as possible, until emergency services are available. The American Heart Association recommends that lay people attend CPR training courses to learn and practice adequate compressions.
For more information regarding “Hands-Only CPR”, please visit americanheart.org/handsonlycpr.