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Skip Liplock, 'Go for the Heart' to Save a Life

Chest compressions key in heart attack CPR, says health group

By Zach Samalin,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 1, 2008 5:21 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Reluctant bystanders can skip mouth-to-mouth resuscitation if they witness someone collapse from a heart attack, but should attempt "hands-only" CPR to save a life, the American Heart Association has recommended.  With less than a third of cardiac arrest victims receiving any form of CPR before it's too late, anything remotely resembling a chest compression could help, reports Reuters.

In fact, "hands-only" CPR is just as good as the full deal, and that news may overcome inaction by bystanders reluctant to engage in mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. "The thing that's killing people is inaction," said an AHA spokesman. Even those who have "never been trained can help." Without quick action, brain death can occur in as little as four minutes. "You can't make them any worse," said the spokesman.

The American Heart Association recommended that untrained bystanders should attempt hands-only CPR if they see somebody suddenly collapse. Less than a third of heart attack victims receive any CPR.
The American Heart Association recommended that untrained bystanders should attempt "hands-only" CPR if they see somebody suddenly collapse. Less than a third of heart attack victims receive any CPR.   (AP Photo)
The American Heart Association recommended that untrained bystanders should attempt hands-only CPR if they see somebody suddenly collapse. Less than a third of heart attack victims receive any CPR.
The American Heart Association recommended that untrained bystanders should attempt "hands-only" CPR if they see somebody suddenly collapse. Less than a third of heart attack victims receive any CPR.   (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Arizona Cardinals Quarterback and American Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet Member, Matt Leinart demonstrates how to perform CPR.
Arizona Cardinals Quarterback and American Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet Member, Matt Leinart demonstrates how to perform CPR.   (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
The American Heart Association recommended that untrained bystanders should attempt hands-only CPR if they see somebody suddenly collapse. Less than a third of heart attack victims receive any CPR.
The American Heart Association recommended that untrained bystanders should attempt "hands-only" CPR if they see somebody suddenly collapse. Less than a third of heart attack victims receive any CPR.   (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
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Skip mouth-to-mouth, go straight for the heart: AHA
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health • public health • heart failure • heart attack • cardiac arrest • American Heart Association • health advisories • CPR • heart health • mouth-to-mouth resuscitation • health tips • bystanders

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