2019 AHA Focused Updates Released November 14, 2019 Part 5 Adult Basic Life Support (BLS) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Quality

2019 AHA Focused Updates Released November 14, 2019 Part 5 Adult Basic Life Support (BLS) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Quality

Trained rescuers are encouraged to perform some steps simultaneously (eg. checking for breathing and pulse at the same time) in an effort to reduce the time to first compressions.

Integrated teams of highly trained rescuers may use a choreographed approach that accomplishes multiple steps and assessments simultaneously rather than in the sequential manner used by individual rescuers.

BLS assessments and actions for specific types of rescuers are summarized here:

Lay Rescuer Not Trained

Step 1 Ensure Scene Safety

Step 2 Check Respsonsiveness

Step 3 Shout for nearby help. Phone 9-1-1 or ask someone to call 9-1-1 (The caller with the phone remains at  the victim's side, with the phone on speaker. 

Step 4 Look for breathing or only gasping. At the direction of the dispatcher follow the dispatcher's instructions to give compressions.

Step 5 Answer the dispatcher's questions and follow the dispatcher's instructions.

Lay Rescuer Trained in Compression only CPR

Step 1 Ensure Scene Safety

Step 2 Check Respsonsiveness

Step 3 Shout for nearby help and activate the emergency response system (9-1-1 ). IF someone responds ensure the phone is on speaker and at the side of the victim at all times.

Step 4 Check for no breathing or only gasping if none begin compression only CPR

Step 5 Answer the dispatcher's questions and follow the dispatcher's directions

Step 6 Send the second person to retrieve and AED, if one is available.

Lay Rescuer Trained in CPR Using Compressions and Ventillations

Step 1 Ensure Scene Safety

Step 2 Check Respsonsiveness

Step 3 Shout for nearby help and activate the emergency response system (9-1-1 ). IF someone responds ensure the phone is on speaker and at the side of the victim at all times.

Step 4 Check for no breathing or only gasping if none begin CPR with compressions provide both compressions and breaths in a 30:2 ratio

Step 5 Answer the dispatcher's questions and follow the dispatcher's directions

Step 6 Send the second person to retrieve and AED, if one is available. When it arrives turn it on and follow commands.

Healthcare Provider

Step 1 Ensure Scene Safety

Step 2 Check Respsonsiveness

Step 3 Shout for nearby help and activate the resuscitation team / or activate the resuscitation team after checking for breathing and a pulse

Step 4 Check for no breathing or only gasping and check pulse (ideally simultaneously). If no breathing (or only gasping) and no pulse immediately begin CPR. NOTE: Activation and retrieval of the AED/emergecny equipment by either the healhcare provider or by someone sent by the provider must occur no later than when cardiac arrest is identified.

Step 5 Answer the dispatcher's questions and follow the dispatcher's directions

Step 6 Send the second person to retrieve and AED, if one is available. When the AED/Defibrillator arrive, use it.