Cardiopulmonary resuscitation algorithms, defibrillation and optimized ventilation during resuscitation.
OBJECTIVE
In 2005, the American Heart Association released its Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. This article reviews the treatment algorithms for Advanced Cardiac Life Support, citing the evidence on which the Guidelines are based. Additional focus is placed on defibrillation and optimized ventilation.


RESULTS
Major changes include a reorganization of the algorithms for cardiac arrest. Emphasis on effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation is placed as the key to improved survival. Single defibrillation shocks are recommended (compared with three 'stacked' shocks) with immediate provision of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and minimal interruptions in chest compressions. The recommended chest compression : ventilation rate for single rescuers has been changed to 30:2.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite advances in resuscitation science, basic life support remains the key to improving survival outcomes. Ultimately, as new knowledge is gained, we believe resuscitation therapies will be more individualized, on the basis of pathophysiology and etiology of the initial cardiac arrest.
Samson
Ricardo A
RA
Department of Pediatrics, Steele Children's Research Center, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA.
Berg
Marc D
MD
Berg
Robert A
RA
D000465:Algorithms; D016887:Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation / Q000592:standards*; D004554:Electric Countershock / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D011674:Pulse / Q000295:instrumentation; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000592:standards*