CPR Changes.. have you changed?

[AnatomyChick]

I've started teaching them.. Locally I haven't heard of the new guidelines increasing the number of saves... also, I'm not sure that the first shock from an AED is 360 joules.... can someone lead me to information regarding this?

[AZCEP]

You'll have to contact the service rep for the AED's that you are using.

They are all different, and may/may not be willing to upgrade them without you spending a lot of money.

[Cookie]

We recertified in March and implemented the new protocols at that time.

[squad51medic]

I just certified with the new ACLS standards. Doesn't seem to different except alot more compressions. I believe the old AHA standards were concerned more about airway management, now it seems that that is taken second to circulation.

[trents289]

Let me hopefully put some light on the subject. As far as the new guidlines go for compressions that is an easy adjustment. AED has to be changed by the maker of the AED. Red Cross has the new guidlines for CPR they follow the AHA who sets the standerds for everyone. As far as ACLS could you tell me where they got the material because all I can do right now is pre order it. PEPP and Pals last i letter i got said end of December. As for changing protocols since the guidlines are constantly changing you might want to consider putting in ACLS PALS and BLS Current guidlines. it will help and you do not have to write new ones every couple of years.

I hope this helps .

Also shocking quickly does work the casinos in Las Vegas have shown that allready.

[Ridryder 911]

Yeah, me too because the new test has not been "officially" written as of yet. So whomever tested you, tested you using the old test with approved modifications, or has an inside deal with the National Committee. :wink:

R/r 911

[fiznat]

I'm currently in medic school (7 months in), and we are the first class at this program to go through with the new guidelines. We did the PALS class a couple weeks ago, which did teach the new stuff. We had to use the older textbooks, but were given the newer flip-books and fold-out charts. The written test appeared to be the same as the old test, except 1 or 2 questions were blanked out.

We will be getting the new ACLS as well in about 1 month. The professors at my program have all already been to the new rollout and have access to the new materials.

As far as "do you actually use the new stuff in the field," I work as an EMT in a fairly busy urban setting and I havn't seen anyone follow the new protocols completely yet. Granted I've only done 2 codes in the last 4 months, but our AEDs are all still programmed old-style, medics are using 3 stacked shocks, and CPR is continuing at the usual rate. We dont really count out compressions anyways. I think its still a little early to expect to see EMS workers changing their treatments to mirror the new guidelines. Most of the medics/EMTs I work with havnt been presented with the new material yet anyways-- they're just waiting for their current certs to run out before they go back.

[Ridryder 911]

Gotcha .. Yeah I have been using the modified test too.. whew! I thought I didn't receive mine. .. I use the AHA pocket reference material. It has all the 2005 standards, from neonate (NRP) PALS, ACLS, ACLSfep, as well and it costs only about $14.00... Then one can carry it in their pocket.

Teaching a PALS/PEPP class tomorrow and the new text is not remodified. I was informed that PEPP manuals will take a while, and one can modify easily by placing current standards attachment sheet.

R/r 911

[stcommodore]

I just got through new ACLS with my medic school and we had the new flip books and old text books like the last poster said. I've had two or three codes in the last few months and the direction I was given as a basic by the medic is to obviously as ACLS teaches is to focus on the compressions. The big note is though that once you have an advanced airway established its not a 30:2 cycle but constant compressions and switch people every two cycles.

On a personal note I can't imagine having a good intubation attempt with someone pounding on the chest at the same time. I would think that in the 10-15 seconds it takes you to complete the intubation that would be an acceptable time to hold compressions.

edit: While reading over the reason and changes it makes me think that if there is no proven benifit to first aid oxygen and the studies show that ASA early has benifit could we see that in a BLS setting? "here take your nitro, and your asprin" or even "here is our nitro to take and these three asprin" Hmmm.

[fiznat]

My understanding is that it is national standard that EMTs can give ASA to chest pain patients. I think it is mostly a medical control/local issue that stops some EMTs from this line of treatment. In my system some people say EMTs can give ASA, other people say they cannot. As an EMT almost done with medic school and someone who knows the doctors at our local hosptials, I can say that I DO give ASA to chest pain patients and I've never had a problem with it. Since you must be also just about done with medic school I doubt it is of much concern to you, but I'd check with your local medcon and see what they say about BLS ASA. I bet theyd have no problem with it at all.

BLS nitro is another story alltogether though. Most good medics I know really try to avoid giving NTG without an IV line established in case the pressure begins to tank. I really doubt any medical control would be willing to give standing order NTG to BLS providers who are unable to start IVs and give fluids. Maaaaybe for EMT-Is, but even then I beleive (although I'm not sure) that these providers lack the A+P background necessary to understand the indications and contraindications of fluid bolus treatment for hypotensive patients. Correct me if I'm wrong there.