Simpler form of CPR promoted by heart association
Just push fast and hard on the chest, and don't worry about mouth-to-mouth recuscitation.
That's the gist of a new ad campaign that aims to demystify cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
The campaign, by the non-profit Ad Council and the ad agency Gotham Inc., encourages Americans to perform hands-only CPR on victims of cardiac arrest. It follows CPR guidelines from the American Heart Assocation's Emergency Cardiovascular Care Committee updated in 2008.
There are only two steps, the ads say: Call 911, and push hard and fast in the center of the patient's chest.
"The key really is: Don't be afraid to help. Don't be afraid to try it," says Michael Sayre, chairman of the heart association committee.
Consumer research shows people are uncomfortable with performing mouth-to-mouth. And about 45 percent of adults wouldn't perform CPR because they aren't confident doing it, a survey by the heart association last year showed.
Americans say they're more likely to perform hands-only CPR, which can be as effective as CPR that combines mouth-to-mouth with chest compressions, the heart association says.
Performing CPR could at least double the long-term chances for survival of the approximately 800 Americans a year who have sudden cardiac arrest outside of a hospital, the heart association says.
Gannett News Service
