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For as long as I can remember, the CPR practice of compressing the chest and then giving deep breaths into a victim have been taught by everyone. It did not matter if you were a medical doctor or an everyday Joe.

That was then, this is now. Times change and technology catches up. In times of stress the old CPR method was often misused. Thus, the ideal to remove the mouth to mouth deep breathing portion of CPR. This is not unlike when we decided to stop checking for a pulse before we began CPR.

This change has its detractors. However, we have been helped by 2 new reports by the AJM (American Journal of Medicine in 04.2006) and The Lace. The AHA (American Hart Assoc) changes their guild lines in 08 due to these studies as well.

We now have studies that show the chance of survivability almost doubles with hands only CPR when administered by a non-trained professional.

For almost 50 years, CPR with mouth to mouth breathing have been taught. I can understand why this new information and studies will be met with some resentences and these concerns only increase based on the life or death situation.

Hands only CPR does simplify the often complex method of mouth to mouth breathing along with the proper timing of chest compressions. Most non-trained persons will make mistakes during an emergency. Hands only CPR makes a mistake much less likely.

These new guidelines have simplified CPR to comprise chest compressions until a medical professional can get on scene.

Base on factual findings, things are changing in the CPR world. However, we must also look at the personal side of things. Would your average everyday person on the street be more inclined to jump in and help without the risk of such close personal contact? During a poll the majority of Americans would like to help without putting themselves in a perceived risk. Thus, compression only falls into this category.

However, it should be noted that this change in technique does not apply to drowning victims. The new hands-only CPR is intended for untrained rescuers and only when there has been a witnessed cardiac arrest.