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AHA 2010 Guidelines Updates for AEDs
What are the 2010 AHA Guidelines?
Every five years, the American Heart Association (AHA) releases guidelines for applying cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and for using an automated external defibrillator (AED). The 2010 Guidelines are the latest protocols recommended for treating a victim of sudden cardiac arrest or heart attack. Because these guidelines may affect the voice prompts and procedures of an AED, your AED equipment may be affected.What are the changes in the 2010 Guidelines?
Below is a summary of the key changes in the new AHA Guidelines. A more complete description of the 2010 Guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) can be downloaded here.Are AED manufacturers changing their AEDs to meet the 2010 Guidelines?
Some manufacturers of automated external defibrillators are releasing software updates to support the new Guidelines.Do I need to upgrade my AED to meet the new Guidelines?
In order to meet the newest Guidelines, your AED may need a software upgrade, look for your AED model below to see if an upgrade will be needed.Summary of Key Changes in the 2010 Guidelines
- The “Look, listen, and feel” for breathing criteria has been removed
When assessing a victim, a rescuer should start CPR immediately if a victim is unconscious and not breathing.
- Emphasis on high quality CPR
Chest compressions with proper rate and depth are emphasized, allowing for chest recoil after each compression. Excessive ventilation is avoided to help ensure minimal interruptions to compressions.
- Change from “A-B-C” to “C-A-B”
The newest Guidelines recommend a change from A-B-C (Airway, Breathing, Chest Compressions) to C-A-B (Chest Compressions, Airway, Breathing). This change highlights a new emphasis on chest compressions.
- Compression Rate
The recommended rate of compressions changed from, “approximately 100 per minute” to “at least 100 per minute.”
- Compression Depth
The recommended depth of CPR compressions changed from, “1 ½ inches to 2 inches” to “at least 2 inches.”
- Hands-Only CPR
The new Guidelines recommend “compressions only CPR” for responders who have not been trained in CPR. Trained rescuers perform rescue breaths in addition to compressions at a rate of 30:2.
AED Manufacturers 2010 Guidelines Upgrades
Philips HeartStart
AED Models: HeartStart OnSite, HeartStart HS1, HeartStart FRx, HeartStart FR2
Philips HeartStart AEDs that meet 2005 Guidelines also support the 2010 Guidelines.
The HeartStart OnSite, HS1, and FRx can be configured so that the CPR coaching supports either of the 2010 Guidelines CPR protocols – compressions only, or a 30:2 ratio of compressions and breaths. Configuration of the OnSite, HS1, and FRx AED requires HeartStart Event Event Review Software download here, and an infrared data cable.
Cardiac Science
AED Models: Powerheart G3 Plus, Powerheart G3 Pro, Powerheart AED, FirstSave AED, and the Cardiac Science Powerheart are AEDs that meet the 2005 Guidelines and also support the 2010 Guidelines.
Medtronic Physio-Control
AED Models: LIFEPAK CR Plus, LIFEPAK 500, Medtronic Physio-Control LIFEPAK CR Plus and LIFEPAK 500 are AEDs that meet the 2005 Guidelines and also support 2010 Guidelines.
Zoll
AED Models: AED Plus, AED Pro
Defibtech
AED Models: Lifeline AED, Reviver AED, View, Reviver View
Defibtech is developing a software upgrade for the View and Reviver View AEDs to support the 2010 Guidelines. No date is given as to when this upgrade will be made available.
HeartSine
AED Model: samaritan PAD
Welch Allyn
AED Models: AED 10, AED 20
Welch Allyn AEDs that meet 2005 Guidelines also support 2010 Guidelines.
