FOR CPR, IT SHOULD BE CAB, INSTEAD OF ABC

The 2010 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care, has just be published in the November 2 supplemental issue of Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association. This new guidelines incorporates the latest data from all the recently published clinical trials on cardio-pulmonary resuscitation ( CPR ). The clinical trials that I highlighted in the 10th August blog has also been part of the data source.
Basically, what the AHA guidelines are advocating is that, instead of the traditional ( almost 40years of teaching ) ABC ( Airways-Breathing - Circulation ) for CPR, we should now teach CAB ( compression or circulation - Airways - Breathing ). What this means essentially is that when we identify someone who has had a cardiac arrest, call for help, and begin with chest compression, as deep a c ompression as you can get ( without breaking the ribs is possible, although it is common to ), airways should be cleared, but ventilatory support and mouth-mouth, is not so crucial ( what a relief ). More people survive, if we practice CAB.
This weekend, on the 13th Nov, I shall be speaking at a public forum in USJ 19, and the organisers have included a video demonstration on CPR.
I shall be speaking on " Diabetes and Heart disease ". This meeting is organised by the resident's association of USJ19.
Please, should you see someone collapsed, render help. The least you could do is call for help. It would be better if you can also perform CAB. This would be inline with a developed country status.