DAN clarification on “hands-only” CPR

“DAN (Divers Alert Network) provides some clarification on why “hands-only” CPR is not the best option for assisting unconscious divers”.

The American Heart Association recently released a position statement regarding the use of compression-only CPR without delivering rescue breaths. This statement, intended to clarify CPR training for lay rescuers, was issued to amend and clarify the “2005 American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC)” for bystanders who witness an adult out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest…

While this change is important with regard to lay rescuers providing emergency care in the event of a collapse on the street, it will not affect the care of an unconscious diver. Many dive injuries involving an unconscious, non-breathing diver begin with respiratory arrest and drowning. DAN Training does not plan to change any DAN courses to feature hands-only CPR, which is relevant to the world at large but does not affect diving circumstances.

If a bystander was previously trained in CPR and is confident in his or her ability to provide rescue breaths with minimal interruptions in chest compressions, then the bystander should provide either conventional CPR using a 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio (Class IIa) or hands-only CPR (Class IIa). The rescuer should continue CPR until an automated external defibrillator arrives and is ready for use or EMS providers take over care of the victim.

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