Helping Bystanders Perform CPR Until EMS Is "Hands-On"

SLICC has officially begun promoting an alternative CPR technique for those who are - for one of a variety of reasons cannot perform guideline-compliant manual chest compressions.  

THIS TECHNIQUE IS FOR BYSTANDERS ONLY. PEOPLE WHO ARE FUNCTIONING IN A ROLE REQUIRING HEALTHCARE PROVIDER STATUS MUST - AT LEAST IN THE SHORT TERM - CONTINUE TO USE MANUAL COMPRESSIONS.

Here's the announcement letter that just went out:

Thank you all very much for your comments and suggestions - and encouragement. The announcement video has been modified and can be viewed at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6yS9dwceHg

The video shows someone treating a sudden  cardiac death in a 40+ year old and highlights the dismal probability that a lone rescuer will be able to perform Guideline-Compliant Chest Compressions ("GC3's") from the time of the arrest until the "hands-on" arrival of the EMS crew.

SLICC's video recommends that Bystanders "perform manual compressions unless:

1. They cannot get down on the floor;
2. Their arthritis (or any other condition) prevents them from pressing on the chest forcefully enough to achieve full GC3's (two-inch compressions);
3. They have become too tired to perform GC3's manually; or
   
4. The chest on which they are pressing is too stiff for them to achieve GC3's manually.

In the presence of these inhibiting factors, they should consider an alternative method, such as pedal compressions."

This recommendation has been previewed with a number of organizations and individuals and has been given a favorable reception in the context of use by Bystanders who need to use it to perform guideline-compliant chest compressions. We have no guarantee that there will be acceptance within all organizations, but this statement needs to be made.

Thank you again for your support, and please do not hesitate to suggest, comment, criticize.


With best regards,

Bob Trenkamp