MarkHkg
05-17-2006, 03:55 AM
As many of you know, the American Heart Association, along with other training organizations such as the American Red Cross, are changing CPR guidelines to simplify and optimize CPR skills.
For example, all age groups will now utilize a 30 compression to 2 breaths ratio for CPR, with an emphasis on hard, fast compressions, minimizing interruptions and ensuring that the chest fully recoils after each compression.
However, procedures for defibrillator use will also change. A person using an AED in the new guidelines will: (i) Apply the AED, and let the AED analyze, (ii) if a shock is advised, the user will let the unit charge and deliver a shock. Here's what changes: immediately after the shock, the user begins 2 minutes of CPR before letting the AED re-analyze the heart rhythm. You do NOT stop to check for signs of circulation (e.g. breathing or pulse) unless the AED tell you to after the 2 minutes of CPR.
Again, the key point is that:
Each shock is immediately followed by 2 minutes of CPR without checking for signs of circulation. (In the old guidelines, the AED will shock in a stack of 3 before recommending you check for signs of circulation.)
Now here's the confusing part that relates to the defibrillators on your aircraft: all AED manufacters (Philips Heartstart, Cardiac Science Powerheart, Medtronic Lifepak, Zoll AEDPlus) are saying they will re-program their AEDs to meet these guidelines. Some will provide field upgrades, others will not. Some are already shipping new guideline AEDs, while others are still figuring all of it out. So how in the world will you figure out what guidelines your AED is programmed to use?
The basic answer: Simply follow the prompts of the AED. If the AED says to deliver another shock, do it. If the defibrillator says to start CPR immediately, do it. Just remember, no matter if you do 15:2 or 30:2 or pump right after the shock...you're still being a lifesaver!
Fly Safe!
For example, all age groups will now utilize a 30 compression to 2 breaths ratio for CPR, with an emphasis on hard, fast compressions, minimizing interruptions and ensuring that the chest fully recoils after each compression.
However, procedures for defibrillator use will also change. A person using an AED in the new guidelines will: (i) Apply the AED, and let the AED analyze, (ii) if a shock is advised, the user will let the unit charge and deliver a shock. Here's what changes: immediately after the shock, the user begins 2 minutes of CPR before letting the AED re-analyze the heart rhythm. You do NOT stop to check for signs of circulation (e.g. breathing or pulse) unless the AED tell you to after the 2 minutes of CPR.
Again, the key point is that:
Each shock is immediately followed by 2 minutes of CPR without checking for signs of circulation. (In the old guidelines, the AED will shock in a stack of 3 before recommending you check for signs of circulation.)
Now here's the confusing part that relates to the defibrillators on your aircraft: all AED manufacters (Philips Heartstart, Cardiac Science Powerheart, Medtronic Lifepak, Zoll AEDPlus) are saying they will re-program their AEDs to meet these guidelines. Some will provide field upgrades, others will not. Some are already shipping new guideline AEDs, while others are still figuring all of it out. So how in the world will you figure out what guidelines your AED is programmed to use?
The basic answer: Simply follow the prompts of the AED. If the AED says to deliver another shock, do it. If the defibrillator says to start CPR immediately, do it. Just remember, no matter if you do 15:2 or 30:2 or pump right after the shock...you're still being a lifesaver!
Fly Safe!