These guidelines provide an update to the recommendations in the 2020 guidelines and provide new recommendations to topics where recommendations previously did not exist.
Key updates include:
- A Single Chain of Survival: A single streamlined model now applies to all cardiac arrest situations (i.e., applies to all ages and locations).
- Fundamentals of Ventilation: The use of breaths with chest compressions is recommended for both health care professionals and lay rescuers when they are willing and capable.
- Position and Location of CPR: The effectiveness of chest compression delivery can be improved through optimizing rescuer hand position, rescuer body position, and patient position. Whenever possible, CPR should be performed on a firm surface.
- Updated Choking Response: For adults and children, initiate with 5 back blows and then alternate back and forth with 5 abdominal thrusts until the object is cleared or the person becomes unresponsive.
- Opioid Overdose Response: Expanded emphasis on rapid naloxone use and public access to opioid emergency kits.
Next steps:
Clinical leadership should review the updated guidelines in order to provide necessary training for staff, along with updating any policies and procedures as necessary to address the changes.