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Review Red Cross Position on
Compression–Only CPR
March 31, 2008
Recently, Compression–Only CPR (giving continuous chest compressions) has received attention by media. Per the 2005 International Consensus on CPR and ECC Science with Treatment Recommendations, the Red Cross recognizes that, in some cases, Compression-Only CPR is the best technique for a non-certified, lay responder (bystander) who witnesses the sudden collapse of an adult.
Based on scientific evidence and the likelihood of bystanders witnessing an adult cardiac arrest, the American Red Cross Advisory Council on First Aid, Aquatics, Safety and Preparedness developed their Advisory Statement on Compression–Only CPR in May, 2007. Per the advisory statement, the Red Cross recognizes that Compression–Only CPR is an acceptable alternative for those who are unwilling, unable, untrained or are no longer able to perform full CPR (cycles of chest compressions and rescue breaths) and, in some cases, the preferred method for bystanders who witness an adult suddenly collapse.
Main Talking Points
- Based on scientific evidence, the American Red Cross supports Compression–Only CPR (continuous chest compressions) as an acceptable alternative when:
- A responder is unwilling, unable, untrained or unsure how to perform full CPR (cycles of chest compressions and rescue breaths).
- A bystander has witnessed the sudden collapse of an adult.
- The Red Cross uses the term "Compression –Only CPR" while the American Heart Association (AHA) uses "Hands–Only CPR." The technique is the same–performing continuous chest compressions (at the rate of 100 compressions per minute) without rescue breathing.
- Both Red Cross and AHA hope that Compression–Only CPR will save lives by encouraging bystanders who witness the sudden collapse of an adult to get involved and have someone call 9–1–1 or the local emergency number and then start performing chest compressions until help arrives or the adult shows obvious signs of life (breathing and movement).
- The following individuals will still need to take training which includes full CPR (cycles of chest compressions and rescue breaths).
- Those who take CPR training for certification to meet State and Federal requirements;
- Lay responders in workplaces who have a duty to respond;
- Those responsible for infants and children;
- Compression–Only CPR does not affect professional rescuer CPR/AED training programs or protocols.
- In the summer of 2007, the Red Cross introduced First Aid and CPR for Everyone, an at–home kit for practicing Compression–Only CPR. The kit contains information on proper hand placement on the chest and a compression practice tool to help measure just the right amount of pressure needed to properly administer chest compressions.
Additional Talking Points
- Compression–Only CPR should not be used for infants and children, for an adult whose sudden collapse is not witnessed or where a respiratory emergency may have caused the cardiac arrest.
- An automated external defibrillator (AED) should be used as soon as it becomes available – regardless of whether or not the sudden collapse was witnessed. The device will not cause additional harm to the victim and will not defibrillate unless a shockable rhythm is detected.
- Compression–Only CPR does not affect the curricula or skills in current Red Cross lay responder or professional rescuer level courses.
- Full CPR (cycles of chest compressions and rescue breaths) is still important to learn. It is critical to know what to do during an emergency. Red Cross first aid, CPR and AED training can give people the skills and the confidence to act in an emergency.
- In addition to learning how to recognize cardiac emergencies and how to perform CPR, Red Cross CPR course participants learn what to do if someone is choking or having a breathing emergency, how to care for shock and more.
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