Red Cross releases new guidelines for CPR

KTIV TV
Copyright 2007 KTIV TV

SIOUX CITY, Iowa — The rules are changing. Actually they changed in 2005, but the American Heart Association is making a bigger push for everyone certified in CPR to know how many compressions to give in an emergency. And that starts with training. Training like workers in Woodbury County are completing.

30 compressions, 2 breaths

It's the new guidelines for CPR. The American Heart Association and the Red Cross say the focus is on compressions, and for good reason. Barry Hulse says, "Because that's going to get oxygen to the brain. And that's the main thing, is we want to keep oxygen being delivered to the brain to keep this body alive and to keep that brain alive." And the 30 compressions and 2 breaths can also save more lives, because it simplifies things for the non-medical professional.. or lay person. Barry says, "They wouldn't remember which one to do, so then they would choose to do nothing."

But the American Red Cross and Heart Association wants you to choose to help. That's why they've also altered the regulations as far as where to put your hands. Before, you were told to follow up rib cage to the zyphoid process and measure two finger lengths. Barry Hulse says, "Now they just want you to get there really quick. So they just say go to the center of the chest."

Full Story: Checking for signs of life