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                                                                                                Contact:          Robert Thompson

                                                                                                                        Direct 303-607-4768

                                                                                                                        Pager 303-266-7855

 

RED CROSS AND NEW CPR GUIDELINES 

Simple Changes Stir Complex Confusion

 

Denver, November 30, 2005---Updated guidelines for performing CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) and First Aid released earlier this week are raising questions for many people.  The American Red Cross Mile High Chapter would like to break through the confusion.

 

The CPR and ECC Guidelines 2005 are sponsored by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) and hosted by the American Heart Association.  Organizations including the American Red follow these guidelines when teaching CPR and First Aid Classes.  The guidelines are reviewed and revised, on average, every five years.  They are based on new scientific evidence that shows the updates will make it easier to learn CPR and other life-saving skills and make it easier for students to retain the information. 

 

The biggest change this time around has to do with CPR.  In the past, the guidelines called for 15 chest compressions to every two-rescue breaths.  The new guidelines have changed the ratio.  Now, they call for 30 chest compressions to every two-rescue breaths.  Read more about the new guidelines.  http://www.redcross.org/static/file_cont4913_lang0_1727.pdf

 

Here’s where the confusion comes in.  Many people are now wondering if their CPR certification is valid given the new guidelines.  The answer is YES.  American Red Cross CPR certifications are valid for one year.  Even with these new guidelines, everyone who is certified or is about to become certified should know that the skills they learned or are about to learn are valid and most importantly effective.

 

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2222-Red Cross & New CPR Guidelines

 

NO ONE, including the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association, will begin implementing these changes until Spring 2006.  That is when new course materials will be ready and instructors trained in the updated CPR and First Aid methods.

 

To learn more about Red Cross programs, to sign up for classes, to volunteer or to make donation please call (303) 722-7474 or visit our web site at www.denver-redcross.org

 

The Red Cross relies on donations and grants and is not a government agency.  Seventy-eight cents of every dollar raised supports services and programs offered by the Red Cross, including health and safety courses, disaster response and planning, youth services, transportation for the elderly, and international and social services including support for the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.  More than 3,000 volunteers support the Mile High Chapter in providing services to more than 420,000 people and responding to nearly 350 disasters each year.

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