Proper CPR procedure knowledge makes the difference between life and death. Hospital survival rates following CPR average just 15-20%, while out-of-hospital cardiac arrest outcomes prove even more concerning at 5-10%. These stats do improve significantly with current training and updated knowledge. A lot of people across the UK carried out first aid training four or five years ago (or longer) and haven’t needed to renew maybe due to job changes, retiring etc but this means they could be completely unaware of current CPR guidance.
What’s Changed in the CPR Procedure?
Resuscitation science is always advancing as new research emerges. Up to date knowledge of CPR procedure’s is really important.
Updated compression-to-breath ratio
The compression-to-breath ratio has been refined in recent years. Adult CPR stayed the same at 30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths but there is much more emphasis now on compression quality. The updated guidance is a compression depth of 5-6cm for adults, at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. This change recognises that effective blood circulation during CPR mainly depends on consistent, properly executed compressions. If you haven’t had any training, or you are uncomfortable with rescue breaths then you can still so hands-only CPR. This is a simpler approach but is still beneficial to the casualty.
Guidance on rescue breaths during pandemics
During the COVID-19 pandemic guidelines included tips to manage the risk of infection and recommended:
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- Covering the casualty’s mouth and nose with a cloth or face mask before starting CPR
- Focusing on hands-only CPR when possible
- Using a face shield or pocket mask with a one-way valve if rescue breaths must be given
- Performing hand hygiene immediately after CPR completion
Changes in the use of Defibrillators
Recent changes to AED guidance recommend that you should carry out CPR up until the defibrillator gets to you. It’s also recommended that you continue CPR right up to the moment the AED is ready to analyse to casualty. The focus is on minimum disruptions to compressions, and you should then resume immediately after a shock is delivered or you are advised against carrying on. It’s important to follow the guidance given on the AED.
When to stop CPR
Current guidelines advise that rescuers may consider stopping CPR if:
- Emergency services arrive and take over
- The casualty shows signs of life (breathing normally, coughing, or movement)
- You, the rescuer, becomes too exhausted to carry on
Children and Infants
CPR on children and babies’ techniques are a little different from standard adult techniques.
- Key differences in technique by age
CPR procedure varies significantly across age groups due to anatomical differences:
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- Adults (over 8 years): Two hands for compressions, 5-6cm depth
- Children (1-8 years): One hand only, 4-5cm depth
- Infants (under 1 year): Two fingers or thumb-encircling technique, 3-4cm depth
The compression rate stays consistent at 100-120 compressions per minute across all age groups, but though force needs to be scaled appropriately.
Rescue breaths are still essential for children
Rescue breaths remain absolutely essential for children and infants, unlike adult CPR where hands-only techniques work for untrained rescuers. Paediatric cardiac arrest typically stems from respiratory causes before cardiac issues develop, making ventilation critical.
Why Outdated CPR Knowledge Can Be Dangerous
Outdated CPR knowledge can pose a genuine risk. When first aiders continue to use outdated CPR procedures, the casualty could remain at risk. For example, shallow compressions won’t generate enough blood flow to vital organs like the brain and heart. Rescue breaths that are not delivered properly can cause complications despite good intentions. On top of this, the regular pauses to administer rescue breaths can delay restarting compressions.
The Legal Implications of Incorrect CPR
Around 60.000 people die of sudden cardiac arrest every year in the UK, and if that cardiac arrest happens outside of a hospital, then less than one in ten survive. CPR is important. For these numbers to improve, people need to help. There can be a fear of being sued or prosecuted for hurting someone when you administer CPR. There are no specific laws about liability. The Resuscitation Council’s report says that “Anyone who attempts resuscitation would only be legally liable if it could be shown that the intervention had left a person in a worse position than they would have been in had no action been taken. In the case of a cardiac arrest, this would be virtually impossible, since without intervention death is inevitable”.
How to Keep Your CPR Skills Up to Date
Keeping your CPR skills up to date represents is a responsibility that goes beyond workplace requirements. If you don’t use the skills you learned, you will forget them. Booking a place on one of our first aid training courses will help you stay up to date and effective when an emergency does happen.
Staying Current Could Save a Life
Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation is one of the most critical life-saving skills available, your actions during those first critical minutes could determine the outcome when you encounter an unresponsive person. Armed with current CPR knowledge and proper technique, you become part of the solution to improving cardiac arrest survival rates across the UK.
