New CPR Guidelines Include Opioid Emergencies, Faster Respiratory Rate for Kids

The American Heart Association (AHA) has updated its guidelines on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and emergency cardiovascular care in Circulation. Among the changes:

• Bystanders should start CPR for presumed cardiac arrest, as the risk for harm is low if the patient doesn't have cardiac arrest.

• The AHA offers two new algorithms for managing opioid-related emergencies. Lay rescuers and trained responders shouldn't delay activating emergency response systems while they wait for the patient to respond to naloxone or other interventions. In addition, it is reasonable for lay rescuers (e.g., family members of opioid users) to be trained to respond to overdoses, including naloxone training.

• Double sequential defibrillation — applying near-simul…