The American Heart Association has introduced new 2010 Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular

Care Effective as of April 1, 2011: Updated BLS Guidelines go into effect in all hospital areas. Sequence Rearranged Previously: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was initiated with opening of the airway, the provisions of two breaths, and then chest compressions started. Now: The basic life support (BLS) sequence of steps for trained rescuers has changed from "A-B-C" (Airway, Breathing, Chest Compressions) to "C-A-B" (Chest compressions, Airway, Breathing). This process is for adults and pediatric patients excluding newborns. Removed from Sequence Previously: After checking for responsiveness, activating EMS, obtaining an AED/defibrillator, you would "Look, Listen and Feel" for breathing. Now: The healthcare provider briefly checks for no breathing or no normal breathing (e.g., gasping only) when the provider checks for responsiveness. Checking for breathing and responsiveness are done simultaneously. Compression Rate The number of chest compression s delivered per minute is an important determinant of return of spontaneous circulation. The new recommendation for compression rate is at least 100 compressions/minute. If the compression rate is under 100 compressions/minute, make sure you achieve at least 30 compressions in less than 18 seconds. Depth To achieve effective chest compressions, rescuers should compress at least one third of the anterior-posterior diameter of the chest. The new recommendation for chest compression depth is:

2 inches - Adults & Children 1 1/2 inches - Infants Cricoid Pressure Cricoid pressure is the application of backward pressure on the cricoid cartilage to lessen the possibility of stomach content aspiration. New guidelines do not recommend the routine use of cricoid pressure in cardiac arrest.

Automated External Defibrillator (AED) For children (1-8 yrs old): Use an AED with pediatric dose-attenuation "If not available" Use a standard AED For infants (less than 1 year of age) Use a manual defibrillator "If not available" Use an AED with pediatric dose-attenuation "If not available" Use an AED without pediatric dose-attenuation