The CABs of CPR

In 2010, the American Heart Association rearranged the steps for performing CPR.  The traditional method that many of us first learned, A-B-C, stood for Airway-Breathing-Circulation.  Today's newer method, C-A-B, moves chest compressions (circulation) to the beginning of the life-saving procedure. The procedure is now compressions-airway-breathing.

In a nutshell, it's all about bloodflow.

Studies have shown that all victims in cardiac arrest need chest compressions. According to the American Heart Association, chest compressions are the most important part of CPR.

During the first few minutes of SCA (Sudden Cardiac Arrest), victims still have adequate oxygen in their lungs and bloodstream.  By beginning CPR with chest compressions, a rescuer can pump blood to the victim’s vital organs, particularly the brain, sooner. 

Research shows that rescuers who started CPR by opening the airway first (the old method) took 30 seconds longer to begin chest compressions than rescuers who began CPR with chest compressions (the new method). 

It is estimated that every minute of delay in performing CPR results in a 7-10 percent decrease in survivability.  The 30 second delay in opening the airway and giving breaths prior to compressions can result in lowering a person's chances by almost 5 percent.  Depending on the length of downtime, the victim may not have any time to lose! 

Additional delays including searching for a barrier device, attempting to make a good seal when giving breaths, and the ever-present reluctance to give breaths due to disease transmission only add to delay.