New Resuscitation Guidelines 2015
The new Resuscitation Guidelines were released on the 15th October 2015. As I suspected the basics haven’t changed but there has been some further fine tuning and slight changes in terminology.
AED added to Basic Life Support algorithm
I have to admit that I’m pleased to see that the use of an AED has been added to the Basic Life Support algorithm. I teach AED use on all my First Aid courses and I encourage my practices to have AED training even if they don’t have one on the premises. I’m also pleased to say that I only have a handful of practices who have yet to purchase an AED; I’m hopeful that this change in emphasis will encourage them.
The guidelines say to send someone to find the nearest available AED; something that the ambulance dispatcher should be able to advise on. However, if you’re on your own don’t leave the casualty to find one.
It is also recommended that all AEDs in the community are registered with your local ambulance service. If, like me, you’re in the East Midlands area you can register your device here.
A casualty may fit when they have a cardiac arrest
There has also been an emphasis on recognising that a casualty may appear to have a seizure when they first have a cardiac arrest; this is due to the lack of oxygen to the brain. We are therefore asked to ensure that someone who is fitting or who has fitted is breathing normally.
Giving rescue breaths should take no longer than 10 seconds
Each rescue breath should be given over 1 second but the total interruption to compressions should be no longer than 10 seconds.
Rescue breaths are still a key part of Basic Life Support as the evidence did not support removing them from the algorithm, therefore, if trained and able give rescue breaths. However, if unable to give breaths we can give compression only CPR.
Stopping CPR
Unless absolutely certain that the casualty has recovered then continue CPR until emergency services arrive and instruct you to stop.
Guidance on compressing the chest of an infant or child
The term used to indicate how far to depress the chest of a child or infant has previously been ‘to compress the chest by at least one third’ this has been expanded and it is now recommended to compress the chest of an infant by 4 cm and the chest of a child by 5 cm. I think this is to ensure that the compressions are deep enough as people fear doing harm.
All school aged children should learn CPR and how to use an AED
The Resuscitation Council has said all school children should learn CPR and the use of an AED. Also that anyone who can learn CPR should learn CPR. I hope this will encourage schools to arrange training for their students. I will provide not-for-profit training in schools in my local area, so if you’re local to me please contact me. If you’re not in my area you could try contacting your local ambulance service who may be able to help or know of someone else in your area who could help you.
These are my brief highlights of the Basic Life Support and AED guidelines. I will be attending the Scientific Symposium on the 26th November and I shall write a more detailed account then. If you have any questions please comment below or you can read them in full on the Resuscitation Council website.
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