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On October 18, 2010, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommended a modified method of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

The new first step is doing chest compressions instead of first establishing the airway and then doing mouth to mouth.  The new guidelines apply to adults, children and infants, but exclude newborns.  The old approach was causing delays in chest compressions, which are crucial for keeping the blood circulating.

Hopefully, the new guidelines will inspire more people to perform CPR.  Mouth to mouth is difficult for those who are not trained.  However, anyone can do chest compressions, whether they have had a class or not.  Here is a step by step guide:

1. Call 911 or ask someone else to do so.

2. Try to get the person to respond; if the person doesn’t, roll them on their back.

3. Start chest compressions.  Place the heel of your hand on the center of the victim’s chest.  Put your other hand on top of the first with your fingers interlaced.

4. Press down so you compress the chest at least two inches in adults and children, and one and half inches in infants.  One hundred times a minute or even a little faster is optimal.

5. If you have been trained in CPR, you can now open the airway with a head tilt and chin lift, and begin mouth to mouth.

6. Pinch closed the nose of the victim. take a normal breath, cover the victim’s mouth with your mouth to create an airtight seal, and then give two , one-second breaths as you watch for the chest to rise.

7. Continue compressions and breaths – 30 compressions, two breaths – until help arrives.

There is a great “How to Do CPR” instructional video posted on YouTube here.  Please take a few minutes to watch it.

Submitted by:  David W. Teloh, safety director, human resources