American Red Cross encourages public to be trained in full CPR and use of AEDs

"Articles published today in The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) cite a pair of studies on Compression-Only Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), sometimes called continuous chest compressions, Hands-Only CPR, or cardio cerebral resuscitation (CCR).

"These articles validate the American Red Cross guidance on Compression-Only CPR. The Red Cross encourages everyone to be trained in full CPR and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). We support the links in the Cardiac Chain of Survival including: early recognition and early access to the 911 system, early CPR, early use of an AED until professional medical responders arrive and take over.

"We recognize that upon witnessing the sudden collapse of an adult, calling 9-1-1, and providing Compression-Only CPR until an AED is available is an acceptable alternative for those who are unwilling, unable, or not trained to perform full CPR.

"The NEJM articles also support the Red Cross position that further research is needed. It is important to note that the Red Cross is helping to lead this research through a CPR skill retention study which looks at different educational models and Compression-Only CPR versus full CPR.

"Full CPR is recommended for infants and children since they experience sudden cardiac arrest primarily due to respiratory problems causing a loss of oxygen. Since a child's oxygen levels in the blood are low at the time of cardiac arrest, they need rescue breaths to improve oxygen levels and aid in resuscitation. Despite this, Compression-Only CPR is still better than no action at all."