PALS + ACLS + BLS Combo

With the Compressions – Airway – Breathing (C-A-B) method a victim receives compressions faster, and provides for quicker critical blood flow to vital organs.

The sequence of steps for conducting CPR using the C-A-B method (detailed further in following chapters)

1. “C” for Compressions

   • Rate of compressions: You should give at least 100 to 120 compressions per minute in cycles (or sets) of 30 compressions and 2 breaths (30:2).
   • Depth of compressions: detailed in following chapters for adult, child and infant.
   • Chest recoil is vital after each compression.

2. “A” for Airway

   • Open the airway with the head-tilt chin-lift motion.

3. “B” for Breathing

   • 2 rescue breaths

2020 Interim Guidance for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients:

In these times when everyone is being affected by the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), many lay responders/community rescuers are unlikely to have access to adequate PPE. They are also at an increased risk of exposure to COVID-19 during CPR, which might make individuals hesitant to act in times of cardiac emergencies.

However, lay rescuers of family members are likely to have already been exposed to COVID-19. Below are the primary interim changes to CPR during COVID-19 times.

PPE should be put on before conducting CPR.

For Adults:

• Perform at least hands-only CPR after a cardiac arrest event has been identified
• A face mask or a cloth that covers the mouth and nose of the rescuer and/or victim may reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission to a non-household bystander

For Children:

• Perform chest compressions and consider mouth-to-mouth ventilation
• A face mask or cloth that covers the mouth and nose of the rescuer and/or victim may reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission to a non-household bystander.

2015 Chest Compression Update

Per the 2015 updates, you should deliver at least 100 to 120 chest compressions per minute (previous rate was 100 compressions / minute). Recent science indicates that more compressions lead to a higher survival rate. This new update sets an upper limit for the chest compression rate, as excessive compressions and depth can adversely affect a patient’s outcome.

2014 Hands-Only CPR

The Hands-Only CPR method is recommended for use on teens or adults that you witness suddenly collapse. This is CPR without the rescue breaths.

You would need to:

1. Call 9-1-1 and stay on the phone with the dispatcher
2. Push hard and fast to give chest compressions. This method is also effective for individuals who have been trained in

*The Good Samaritan Law is intended to reduce bystanders’ hesitation to assist in an emergency.