The landscape of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) has evolved significantly with the introduction of high-performance CPR techniques. Guided by the latest ILCOR (International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation) guidelines, the Alberta Health Services (AHS) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has updated its training and protocols to enhance the effectiveness of CPR. This blog post delves into these changes, the rationale behind them, and the benefits they offer to patients experiencing cardiac emergencies.

Understanding High-Performance CPR

High-performance CPR emphasizes minimizing interruptions during chest compressions, ensuring adequate depth and rate of compressions, and optimizing ventilation. Key changes include:

1. Reduced Time Off the Chest: Minimizing pauses in chest compressions is critical. Studies have shown that for every 10-second pause in chest compressions, the chance of survival decreases by 11%.

2. CPR During AED Charging: Performing chest compressions while the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is charging helps maintain circulation and increases the likelihood of a successful defibrillation. Research indicates that this practice can improve survival rates by up to 23%.