new research on CPR

[baronessmartha]

okay, so check this out.

It is for use on adults only, for known cardiac events.

http://www.heart.arizona.edu/publiced/lifesaver.htm

and the research article: Michael J. Kellum, MD, Kevin W. Kennedy, MS, and Gordon A. Ewy, MD. Cardiocerebral Resuscitation Improves

Comments

[nrawling]

I would guess that response time of the paramedics figured highly in this conclusion. Generally healthy people can hold their breath for minutes at a time. Therefore, the breathing probably doesn't become critical under some time after that. If your rescue time is 3:30 to 8:30, then I can understand the decision to not worry about it.

If your rescue time is going to be significantly extended, then clearly, air is going to be an issue at some point. Why are overdoses still treated with breathing? I don't really see the logic there, but I haven't studied overdose at all.

In any case, by eliminating the breathing component, the public response can only get better.

[baronessmartha]

It has to do with the airway.
In overdoses and drowndings and children, the airway is usually not clear. Clearing it is the most important issue. With adult cardiac issues, the airway is ordinarily clear.

As you release from the compression, air will be drawn into the lungs.

totally counter intuitive.

[nrawling]

Duh. Should have seen that before. I feel so stupid.

Of course it would.

[baronessmartha]

why feel stupid?

It is not the first thing you think of when your brain is yelling "WHY NO OXYGEN?" for the other groups.