Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a question about the science behind CPR or Emergency Cardiovascular Care treatment guidelines or recommendations? Then you have come to the right place! We welcome your comments and questions. Listed in this FAQ are some of the most common questions we receive.
What is "Cough CPR"?
This "method" gets circulated frequently on e-mail but there is no compelling science behind this "method." more
What is an AED?
The automated external defibrillator (AED) is a computerized medical device. An AED can check a person’s heart rhythm. It can recognize a rhythm that requires a shock. And it can advise the rescuer when a shock is needed. The AED uses voice prompts, lights and text messages to tell the rescuer the steps to take.
AEDs are very accurate and easy to use. There are many different brands of AEDs. But the same basic steps operate all AEDs. The AHA does not recommend a specific AED.
Can an AED be used on a child?
AEDs have been shown to be safe for use on all victims age 1 and older. Several manufacturers do make special pediatric electrode pads and cables for use with their AEDs and, ideally, those should be used for children ages 1–8. These specially designed electrode pads and cables will automatically reduce the amount of energy from the AED to a smaller “dose” of energy that is more appropriate for a child. If you are considering the purchase of an AED that does not have the optional pediatric electrode pads and cables, we advise you to ask the manufacturer if their AED has been tested to determine if it can properly identify arrhythmias in a child (whose normal heartbeat is much faster than an adult’s).
Do I really need to bare the victim's chest before starting CPR?
A victim who needs CPR requires your immediate help! At this point you are trying to save a life! A bare chest facilitates proper hand placement on the victim's sternum for chest compressions. Proper hand placement is taught using physical landmarks that can only be visualized on a person’s bare chest.
In addition, if an AED is available, the victim's chest will have to be bare for proper electrode placement.
Finally, it will be easier for the rescuer to visually check for signs of circulation, such as the rise and fall of the chest and abdomen, as well as skin color. It would be very difficult to visualize these signs of circulation without a bare chest.
Why can I only touch the bony part of the chin when doing a "head tilt-chin lift" for CPR ventilation?
In performing the head tilt-chin lift maneuver to open the airway, emphasis is placed on using the bony portion of the chin to better "lift" the chin upward. That is most effectively done if the fingers are on the harder part of the chin. This lifting motion will help to pull the base of the tongue up and off of the oropharynx, reducing the resistance to air flow. If the fingers are pressing into the soft tissues, depending on the direction of the pressure, there is some chance that the soft tissues may impede airflow in the mouth cavity.
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reviewed/updated 04/21/2008
