title: Compression-only CPR-To teach or not to teach?
abstract: There is mounting evidence to support the concept of chest compression-only CPR for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims, not least because it is simple and does not require rescuers to perform unpleasant mouth-to-mouth ventilation. The problem is that for a small, but important, minority of victims (children and those suffering an asphyxial or prolonged arrest) this is suboptimal treatment. The forthcoming guidelines revision process will require a compromise to be reached. The solution proposed is citizen training in two stages: adult compression-only CPR initially, then a second, follow-up stage when ventilation is added to satisfy the needs of minority victims.
authors.forename: Anthony J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Handley
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016887:Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000628:therapy*; D006336:Heart Massage; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome