What are the new changes in CPR?

The 2025 American Heart Association (AHA) CPR guidelines bring changes like a single, unified Chain of Survival, updated choking response (5 back blows/5 abdominal thrusts for adults/children), and emphasis on faster, higher-quality compressions with timely breaths for specific situations (drowning, opioids). Key adjustments also target infant CPR (moving from two fingers to one-hand/two-thumb), earlier AED use for children, expanded opioid overdose response (naloxone), and more focus on system integration and equitable access to care.

Is it still 30 compressions to 2 breaths?

Give two breaths after every 30 chest compressions. If two people are doing CPR, give 1 to 2 breaths after every 15 chest compressions. Continue CPR until you see signs of life or until medical help arrives.

What are the new CPR rules?

New recommendations include:

• Consolidating the chain of survival into one chain, which highlights the importance of doing compressions and breaths, especially in children and infants. ...
• Aligning with new scientific evidence that suggests children 12 years old or older can be taught effective CPR and defibrillation.

What is the new method of CPR?

The newest development in the CPR guideline is a change in the basic life support sequence of steps from "A-B-C" (Airway, Breathing, Chest compressions) to "C-A-B" (Chest compressions, Airway, Breathing) for adults. Also, "Hands-Only (compression only) CPR" is emphasized for the untrained lay rescuer.

Is CPR just chest compressions now?

Interrupting the Flow of CPR

Studies have found that in addition to being less complicated, CPR without rescue breaths may even be more effective than CPR with mouth-to-mouth because continuous chest compressions alone have been shown to sustain blood circulation more effectively for people in cardiac arrest.

The Must-Know 2025 CPR Guideline Changes

Are rescue breaths still used in CPR 2025?

Yes, rescue breaths are still used in CPR in 2025, but mainly by trained rescuers in specific situations like drowning, drug overdose, or for infants/children; for untrained bystanders in adult cardiac arrest, the American Heart Association (AHA) still emphasizes hands-only CPR (compressions only) to overcome hesitation and ensure immediate action, as oxygen is often still in the blood, but breaths are crucial when breathing issues are the primary cause. 

What happens if you do CPR on someone with a pulse?

The physicians and scientists at the Sarver Heart Center, have found that the old saying "Never perform CPR on beating heart" is not valid. According to these professionals, the chances that a bystander could harm a person by pressing on their chest are slim to none, even if the heart is working normally.

How do you do the new CPR?

CPR for adults: Give 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths. This is known as “30:2”. Aim for 5 sets of 30:2 in about 2 minutes (if you are only doing compressions, aim for about 100 to 120 compressions per minute).

Is it still ABC for CPR?

The 2010 CPR Guidelines rearranged the order of CPR steps.

Now, instead of A-B-C, which stands for airway and breathing first followed by chest compressions, the American Heart Association wants rescuers to practice C-A-B: chest compressions first, then airway and breathing. Some have asked, why did CPR change?

What are the 3 R's of CPR?

The 3 Rs of CPR are Recognize, Respond, and Resuscitate, providing a simple framework for bystanders during cardiac emergencies: first, Recognize the signs of cardiac arrest (unresponsiveness, no normal breathing); next, Respond by calling emergency services (like 911) and getting an AED; and finally, Resuscitate by performing chest compressions and rescue breaths until help arrives. Mastering these steps ensures swift, effective action, significantly improving survival chances.
 

What did they change about CPR?

The CPR guidelines changed from A-B-C to C-A-B to place greater importance on chest compressions and blood flow. This article covers the CPR guidelines and why chest compressions should be done first.

What is the BLS update 2025?

Basic Life Support (BLS) 2025 guidelines continue to emphasize the core principles of rapid recognition, 100-120/min compression, and early defibrillation. In addition, however, there are several important new AHA recommendations.

What is the new bpm for CPR?

Staying within the 100-120 BPM range is critical for delivering oxygenated blood to the brain and vital organs during cardiac arrest. Choosing a song in this range helps prevent rescuers from performing compressions too fast or too slow.

What are common CPR mistakes?

Not knowing how deep chest compressions should be is easily one of the most common CPR mistakes. In addition, shallow chest compressions aren't helpful either. In general, chest compressions should be around 2 to 2.4 inches deep for adults.

What is the difference between CPR and BLS?

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) teaches basic skills for anyone, focusing on chest compressions and rescue breaths, while BLS (Basic Life Support) is a more comprehensive certification for healthcare professionals, including CPR plus advanced airway management, team dynamics, and AED use for wider emergencies like cardiac arrest, respiratory distress, and choking. Essentially, BLS includes CPR as part of its broader scope, preparing medical personnel for a wider range of critical situations beyond what layperson CPR covers.
 

Should I stop CPR if the person vomits?

Recommended Procedure: “For these reasons, we believe it is appropriate to recommend the following: in case of vomiting, turn the victim onto their side, perform a finger sweep if needed, return the victim to their back, and restart CPR with chest compressions, beginning a new cycle regardless of the number of ...

How do I tell if I'm still CPR certified?

Students and employers can check training status of any eCard holder 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Align this card with the specific Training Center who issued it. To verify an eCard, go to www.heart.org/CPR/mycards and enter the eCard code or scan the QR code on the student eCard.

What are the 7 steps of CPR?

The 7 steps of CPR for adults generally focus on D-A-B (Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing) and then C (Compressions), followed by repeating cycles: 1. Check Scene Safety, 2. Check Responsiveness/Breathing, 3. Call 911/Get AED, 4. Open Airway, 5. Give 2 Rescue Breaths, 6. Perform 30 Chest Compressions, 7. Repeat the 30:2 cycle until help arrives or the person recovers, emphasizing continuous compressions if untrained.
 

Is CPR B or C better?

CPR Level C is generally better than Level B because it's more comprehensive, covering CPR for adults, children, and infants, plus two-rescuer techniques, making it suitable for diverse situations and many professions like teachers, lifeguards, and first responders, while Level B focuses specifically on infants and children, ideal for caregivers but less broad. Choose Level C for broader applicability and deeper skills, or Level B if your focus is strictly childcare. 

Do you still give CPR if there is a pulse?

Do you give CPR if there is a pulse but no breathing? Yes, Perform CPR: If a person is not breathing but has a detectable pulse, CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) should be initiated immediately.

Do you pinch your nose during CPR?

CPR with rescue breaths

Tilt the person's head gently and lift the chin up with 2 fingers. Pinch the person's nose. Seal your mouth over their mouth and blow steadily and firmly into their mouth for about 1 second. Check that their chest rises.

Is mouth to mouth still used in CPR?

CPR is a vital part of surviving sudden cardiac arrest. It can greatly boost a person's chances of recovery in life-threatening situations. If your CPR training is over ten years old, you may be curious. Mouth-to-mouth is no longer in standard guidelines.

Can you be sued for doing CPR if the person dies?

Understanding the Good Samaritan Law

It encourages bystanders to help without fear of legal consequences. If you give CPR voluntarily without expecting payment and act reasonably within your level of training, the law protects you from being sued or charged, even if the person does not survive.

When is CPR not recommended?

You should not perform CPR if the person is breathing, conscious, has a pulse, shows signs of irreversible death (like rigor mortis, decomposition, or decapitation), or if the environment is unsafe (fire, live wires, etc.), or if a valid Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order is present, as CPR would be futile or against their wishes. 

Can you do CPR over clothes?

When performing CPR, you do not need to remove any of the person's clothing. CPR can be done over whatever clothing that the person is wearing. When using a defibrillator, the clothes must come off. This includes any type of bra or binding the person may be wearing.