The new emphasis is on Chest Compressions First. The idea is to start chest compressions as quickly as possible.  In situations where the rescuer is not sure, they can provide Hands Only or Continuous Chest Compression can be used.

The term ABC for airway, breathing and circulation has been rearranged to CAB – circulation, airway and then breathing.

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How to perform the new CPR

Here are the new guidelines from the AHA:

1. Before starting, shake the victim’s shoulders and shout to get his reaction. If the victim is unresponsive, call 911, which should now instruct callers by phone to start chest compressions when cardiac arrest is suspected.

2. Begin chest compressions. They should now be faster—at least 100 per minute from the previous instruction of close to 100. Compressions must also be strong enough to depress the chest by at least 2 inches in adults and 1.5 inches in infants. This will allow blood and oxygen to keep flowing to the brain until medics arrive.

3. Make sure to fully release the chest before beginning the next compression. Avoid leaning on the victim’s chest so it can return to the starting position.

4. For rescuers with no CPR training, continue chest compressions until help comes.

5. For trained health professionals, open the airway after 30 chest compressions and begin mouth-to-mouth breathing. Give two breaths and then resume chest compressions. Continue sets of 30 chest compressions and two breaths until help arrives.

The issuance of the new guidelines is the first major change in procedure since CPR was introduced in the 1960s. The last resuscitation guidelines were publicized in 2005.