Hands Only CPR Can Save More Lives Than The Mouth-To-Mouth

October 7th, 2010 - 8:00 pm ICT by GD  

By Meena Kar
cpr20image201 A recent study has found that hands only CPR helps save more lives than the one where the bystander gives a mouth to mouth breathing. The study showed that the more adults survived cardiac arrests when they were given continuous chest presses to simulate heartbeats. One doctor who was the lead author of the study said that anyone who can get put their hand on top of the patient and lock their elbows for the quick thrusts should do it without any fear of causing harm.

The researcher also revealed that the new study takes away all the factors that prevent a bystander from taking action when a person undergoes a cardiac arrest. Many feel uncomfortable about mouth to mouth as it involves breathing for another person. The non stop chest compressions work better for the adults who are undergoing cardiac arrest as there are no breathing problems involved in it.

The study, however, confirms that the conventional CPR involving mouth-to-mouth is effective for small children or those who have had a near drowning experience. The mouth to mouth in this case often causes the water in the lungs to come out which allows further breathing. The researchers said that only a third of the people who have cardiac arrests in the US get CPR from bystanders and the new studies can help increase the number. A spokesperson for the American Heart Association said that he was excited about the results. He explained that the study proved that simplifying the CPR procedure and educating the public about it could help save lives.

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