CPR standards are rules for administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). In the US, the American Heart Association sets the standards, which include 100 compressions per minute for adults and specific procedures for infants and children. CPR certification is required in many healthcare professions.
CPR standards are the rules or instructions on how to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Most countries have national or regional organizations that set CPR standards for certification in that country. In the United States, CPR standards are created and published by the American Heart Association.
As of 2009, US CPR standards require 100 compressions per minute for adults. Compressions involve pressing the chest in the heart area using a clenched fist, pressing deeply and hard enough to allow the chest to retract. The rate of compressions should be rapid. For every 30 compressions, two breaths lasting 1 second each should be delivered. If there are two rescuers, compressions should continue while the second rescuer administers breaths, at a rate of eight to ten breaths per minute.
If two rescuers are present and the victim is an infant or child, two breaths should be given for every 15 compressions, rather than every 30. A child is defined as a person between the ages of 1 and 12-14. For children younger than 1, a chest compression should be used, which involves using the thumbs to circle the chest. Regardless of the victim’s age, CPR standards state that opening the airway is a priority in administering CPR.
The specific procedures for administering CPR vary depending on the situation. If a patient suddenly collapses, standards dictate that they seek medical attention and then begin CPR. If a patient requires CPR following a drowning, injury, or drug overdose, standards require 2 minutes or 5 cycles of CPR before seeking medial assistance, in order to provide more immediate help to the patient.
These CPR standards were released in 2006, updating standards that had been taught as guidelines for resuscitation since the 1960s when CPR standards were first published. The reason for the changes was the belief that the traditional standards of CPR, which involved many steps and many pauses between compressions, were too confusing for most people to do correctly.
CPR standards are taught in CPR certification courses offered by both the American Heart Association and the Red Cross. Both organizations provide certification to those who take their courses and demonstrate that they understand the standards of CPR and can administer CPR correctly and effectively. CPR certification is required in many professions in the healthcare sector and may also be required for lifeguards and other professionals charged with the care of others.
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