Hands-only CPR for these times

ON Oct 21, the American Heart Association released its 2020 emergency cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines.

Of the 356,461 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases in the US in 2019, the survival rate was merely 10.4% because of a lack of high-quality CPR and access to an automated external defibrillator (AED). This device administers an electrical shock to normalise and restart heart rhythms and is designed for use by the public. I am certain that local statistics are similar to US ones, so we must promote awareness and training in CPR and make AEDs more generally available.

During this pandemic, the public can still provide CPR by using a hands-only method and an AED while awaiting an ambulance. Remember that both the rescuer and the victim must wear face masks. No rescue breaths are given at any time during hands-only CPR.

DR AZUZAY ZAMANI

Ampang, Selangor