In most situations, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is performed using a combination of chest compressions and mouth ventilations. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends a universal compression-to-ventilation ratio of 30:2, meaning 30 chest compressions are given for every 2 mouth ventilations. While there are exceptions to this rule, it has become the de-facto standard used in the CPR training.
Compression-only CPR (also known as cardiocerebral resuscitation) refers to a special type of CPR in which only chest compressions are made on the victim. Unlike universal CPR, there’s no mouth-to-mouth ventilations made with compression-only CPR. The person administering CPR uses his or her hands to promote greater blood flow through the heart. Compressions should be 2 inches deep at a rate of 100 per minute for maximum effect.
According to a recent study conducted by the Arizona Department of Health Services in Phoenix, compression-only CPR may prove more beneficial than standard compression and ventilation CPR. Researchers analyzed records of 4,415 patients adult patients who experienced cardiac arrest outside of a hospital. The study found that 13.3% of cardiac arrest victims who received compression-only CPR survived after being discharged by the hospital, whereas 7.8% who received standard CPR survived, and 5.2% who received no CPR survived.
Note: compression-only CPR is typically less effective when used to treat drowning victims, drug overdose, and cardiac arrest in children.
Why is there a higher rate of success with compression-only CPR? There are several different factors which likely boost the effectiveness of compression-only CPR, one of which is the simple fact that it’s easier to learn. When a bystander suddenly goes into cardiac arrest, you may have trouble remembering the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio. While 30:2 is the universal ratio, these numbers vary depending on the victim and the victim’s condition; therefore, some people may forget the appropriate compression-to-ventilation ratio.
Compression-only CPR takes the “ratio” out of the equation, so you only have to remember the proper depth and rate of compressions. If you’re having trouble remembering the rate, the AHA recommends pumping to the beat of the Bee Gee’s song “Stayin’ Alive.” Of course, this song is perfectly suited for CPR given its name. “Stayin Alive” has a rhythmic beat that falls in line with the recommended 100 compressions per minute.
If you aren’t a Bee Gee’s fan, you can also perform compression-only CPR to the beat of Queen’s “Another One Bites The Dust,” although this song’s name has a more somber tone.