The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada has released new CPR guidelines that emphasize giving rescue breaths when helping children and infants.
The national update, which is reviewed every five years, reflects research showing that most cardiac arrests in younger patients begin with breathing problems rather than heart failure. Experts say combining chest compressions with breaths can significantly improve the chance of recovery.
Health officials continue to urge Canadians to learn CPR as quickly as possible. More than sixty thousand cardiac arrests occur outside hospitals in Canada each year, or roughly one every nine minutes. Immediate CPR and early use of a defibrillator can double a person’s chance of survival.
The revised guidelines also encourage teaching CPR in schools, increasing public access to defibrillators, and preparing responders to deal with opioid related emergencies.
Anyone who sees a cardiac arrest is advised to call 911, begin CPR right away, and use an automated external defibrillator as soon as it is available
