The American Heart Association updated the procedures for CPR. The AHA is responsible for setting the procedures for CPR used widely by the doctors, government and health organisations. CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. These guidelines can also be followed by the common people.
The main change that is taking place is the order of the steps of CPR. The system used previously was: Airway (the head tilted back and air path opened), Breathing (mouth to mouth resuscitation) and then Compressions (to the heart)- thereby creating ABC steps. But now that order had changed with Compressions becoming the first priority. Thus the steps are: Compressions, Airway and then Breathing- in short CAB (making it difficult to remember than before). The guidelines are applicable to everyone except for new born babies.
Dr. Michael R. Sayre, the chair of the emergency cardiovascular care committee for the American Heart Association said chest compressions should be the starting step as that alone will save many patients. The previous guidelines following the ABC approach had chest compressions at the end. This was causing a delay, because compressions are the most important methods used to keep the blood circulation in a steady state.
Dr. Sayre also hoped the new guidelines would inspire more people to implement CPR as mouth to mouth is a tough procedure for those who are not trained. However, chest compressions are so easy, it can be done by anyone and it is also the most effective method, which in itself can save a person without using any other method.

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