In-Depth Summary of 2015 AHA Guidelines Updates for EMS Providers

The 2015 AHA Guidelines Update isn’t a significant revision to the 2010 Guidelines. Rather, it uses advances in resuscitation research and the latest scientific evidence to further define, refine, clarify or otherwise alter the 2010 Guidelines. In some areas, the lack of definitive research resulted in not recommending a certain procedure or leaving a guideline unchanged. This doesn’t mean that systems currently using a process, procedure or resuscitation device must stop using them if their medical leadership feels their resuscitation results have improved. There was simply insufficient evidence at this time for the committee to make a recommendation for change. BLS, AEDS & CPR QUALITY By Erin E. Brennan, MD Although there aren’t significant changes in the 2015 AHA Guidelines Update relative to BLS practices and automated external defibrillator (AED) use, there are a few changes all EMS providers and educators need to be aware of. Key Points The guidelines continue to place significant emphasis on high-quality CPR given its association with improved survival. There’s a recommendation for coordinated team approach (i.e., pit crew approach) to resuscitation when multiple providers are available, enabling the coordinated and efficient provision of chest compressions, airway management, ventilations, and defibrillation if indicated.
Source: JEMS Patient Care - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Tags: Cardiac & Resuscitation Source Type: news