2015 Interim Resources for BLS

Original Release: November 25, 2015

Starting in 2016, new versions of American Heart Association online courses will be released to
reflect the changes published in the 2015 AHA Guidelines Update for CPR and ECC. All current
AHA courses remain valid and should continue to be used for training until the new versions are
released. The release of new Guidelines does not mean that the use of earlier Guidelines is
unsafe or ineffective.

To ensure that students in current courses are aware of the changes in science, the following
interim resources are available free of charge for BLS students:

Highlights of the 2015 American Heart Association Guidelines Update for CPR and
ECC (available at 2015ECCguidelines.heart.org): In-depth summary by topic of the
changes to science and treatment recommendations published in the 2015 AHA
Guidelines Update for CPR and ECC

BLS for Healthcare Providers Student Manual Comparison Chart (attached): Chart
showing how science changes in the 2015 AHA Guidelines Update for CPR and ECC
differ from current BLS course content

Interim BLS Course 1- and 2-Rescuer Adult BLS With AED Skills Testing Sheet
(attached): Checklist of critical performance steps updated with 2015 science changes

Interim BLS Course 1- and 2-Rescuer Infant BLS Skills Testing Sheet (attached):
Checklist of critical performance steps updated with 2015 science changes
 2015 Interim Training Materials
BLS for Healthcare Providers Student Manual Comparison Chart

New Old Rationale

Part 2: Call for nearby help upon finding Check for responsiveness. The intent of the recommendation
BLS/CPR for the victim unresponsive. Check for no breathing or no change is to minimize delay and to
Adults Continue to assess the breathing normal breathing. encourage fast, efficient, simultaneous
and pulse simultaneously. Call for help. assessment and response, rather than a
Immediate Activate the emergency response Check for pulse for no longer slow, methodical, step-by-step
recognition system or call for backup. than 10 seconds. approach.
and activation
of emergency
response
system

BLS for Healthcare Providers Student Manual Comparison Chart 1

 Shock first vs For witnessed adult cardiac arrest,
CPR first chest compressions should be started
immediately. Use a defibrillator as
soon as possible. CPR should be
provided while the AED pads are
applied and until the AED is ready
to analyze the rhythm.
BLS for Healthcare Providers Student Manual Comparison Chart
When any rescuer witnesses an out-of- While numerous studies have addressed
hospital the question of whether a benefit is
arrest and an AED is immediately
available on-site, the rescuer
conferred by providing a specified
should start CPR with chest period (typically 1.5 to 3 minutes) of
compressions and use the AED chest compressions before shock
as soon as possible. HCPs who treat delivery, as compared with delivering a
cardiac arrest in hospitals shock as soon as the AED can be
and other facilities with on-site AEDs or
defibrillators should
readied, no difference in outcome has
provide immediate CPR and should use been shown.
the AED/defibrillator as
soon as it is available. These
recommendations are designed
to support early CPR and early
defibrillation, particularly when
an AED or defibrillator is available
within moments of the onset
of sudden cardiac arrest. When an
OHCA is not witnessed
by EMS personnel, EMS may initiate
CPR while checking the
rhythm with the AED or on the
electrocardiogram (ECG) and
preparing for defibrillation. In such
instances, 1 to 3 minutes
of CPR may be considered before
attempted defibrillation.
Whenever 2 or more rescuers are
present, CPR should be
provided while the defibrillator is
retrieved.
With in-hospital sudden cardiac arrest,
there is insufficient
evidence to support or refute CPR
before defibrillation.
However, in monitored patients, the
time from ventricular
fibrillation (VF) to shock delivery should
be under 3 minutes,
2
 New Old Rationale
and CPR should be performed while the
defibrillator is readied.
Chest In adult victims of cardiac arrest, Lay rescuers and healthcare providers A single large registry series suggested
compression perform chest compressions at a rate of perform chest compressions at a rate of that as the compression rate increases to
rate 100 to 120/min. at least 100/min. more than 120/min, compression depth
decreases in a dose-dependent manner.
For example, the proportion of
compressions of inadequate depth was
about 35% for a compression rate of 100
to 119/min but increased to inadequate
depth in 50% of compressions when the
compression rate was 120 to 139/min
and to inadequate depth in 70% of
compressions when the compression
rate was more than 140/min.
Chest Perform chest compressions to a The adult sternum should be depressed A compression depth of approximately
compression depth of at least 2 inches/5 cm for an at least 2 inches (5 cm). 5 cm is associated with greater
depth average adult. Avoid excessive chest likelihood of favorable outcomes
compression depths of more than 2.4 compared with shallower compressions.
inches/6 cm when a feedback device While there is less evidence about
is available. whether there is an upper threshold
beyond which compressions may be too
deep, a recent very small study suggests
potential injuries (none life-threatening)
from excessive chest compression depth
(greater than 2.4 inches/6 cm).
Compression depth may be difficult to
judge without use of feedback devices,
and identification of upper limits of
compression depth may be challenging.
It is important for rescuers to know that
chest compression depth is more often
too shallow than too deep.

BLS for Healthcare Providers Student Manual Comparison Chart 3

 New Old Rationale
Chest recoil Avoid leaning on the chest between Allow complete recoil of the chest after Full chest wall recoil occurs when the
compressions to allow full chest wall each compression, to allow the heart to sternum returns to its natural or neutral
recoil for adults in cardiac arrest. fill completely before the next position during the decompression phase
compression. of CPR. Chest wall recoil creates a
relative negative intrathoracic pressure
that promotes venous return and
cardiopulmonary blood flow. Leaning
on the chest wall between compressions
precludes full chest wall recoil.
Incomplete recoil raises intrathoracic
pressure and reduces venous return,
coronary perfusion pressure, and
myocardial blood flow and can
influence resuscitation outcomes.
Minimizing Minimize the frequency and Interruptions in chest compressions can
interruptions duration of interruptions in be intended as part of required care (ie,
in chest compressions to maximize the rhythm analysis and ventilation) or
compressions number of compressions delivered unintended (ie, rescuer distraction).
per minute. Chest compression fraction is a
measurement of the proportion of total
For adults in cardiac arrest who resuscitation time that compressions are
receive CPR without an advanced performed. An increase in chest
airway, perform CPR with the goal compression fraction can be achieved by
of a chest compression fraction as minimizing pauses in chest
high as possible, with a target of at compressions. The optimal goal for
least 60%. chest compression fraction has not been
defined. The addition of a target
compression fraction is intended to limit
interruptions in compressions and to
maximize coronary perfusion and blood
flow during CPR.

BLS for Healthcare Providers Student Manual Comparison Chart 4

 New
Part 4: Although the amount and quality of
BLS/CPR for supporting data are limited,
Children; providers should maintain the
Part 5: sequence from the 2010 Guidelines
BLS/CPR for by initiating CPR with C-A-B over
Infants A-B-C.
C-A-B
sequence
Chest Rescuers should provide chest
compression compressions that depress the chest
depth at least one third the anteroposterior
diameter of the chest in pediatric
patients (infants [younger than 1
year] to children up to the onset of
puberty). This equates to
approximately 1.5 inches (4 cm) in
infants to 2 inches (5 cm) in
children. Once children have
reached puberty (ie, adolescents),
the recommended adult compression
depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm) but
no greater than 2.4 inches (6 cm) is
used.
Chest To maximize simplicity in CPR
compression training, the adult chest compression
rate rate of 100 to 120/min is used for
infants and children.
BLS for Healthcare Providers Student Manual Comparison Chart
Old
Initiate CPR for infants and children
with chest compressions rather than
rescue breaths (C-A-B rather than
A-B-C). CPR should begin with 30
compressions (by a single rescuer)
or 15 compressions (for resuscitation
of infants and children by 2
healthcare providers) rather than
with 2 ventilations.
To achieve effective chest
compressions, rescuers should
compress at least one third of the
anteroposterior diameter of the
chest. This corresponds to
approximately 1.5 inches (about 4
cm) in most infants and about 2
inches (5 cm) in most children.
Push at a rate of at least 100
compressions per minute.
Rationale
In the absence of new data, the sequence
has not been changed. Consistency in
the order of compressions, airway, and
breathing for CPR in victims of all ages
may be easiest for rescuers who treat
people of all ages to remember and
perform. Maintaining the same sequence
for adults and children offers
consistency in teaching.
One adult study suggested harm with
chest compressions greater than 6 cm,
resulting in a change in the adult BLS
recommendation to include an upper
limit for chest compression depth; the
pediatric experts accepted this
recommendation for adolescents beyond
puberty. A pediatric study observed
improved 24-hour survival when
compression depth was greater than 51
mm (2 inches). Judgment of
compression depth is difficult at the
bedside, and the use of a feedback
device that provides such information
may be useful if available.
One adult registry study demonstrated
inadequate chest compression depth
with extremely rapid compression rates.
To maximize educational consistency
and retention, in the absence of pediatric
data, pediatric experts adopted the same
recommendation for compression rate as
is made for adult BLS.
5
 New
Compression- Conventional CPR (rescue breaths
only CPR and chest compressions) should be
provided for infants and children in
cardiac arrest. The asphyxial nature
of most pediatric cardiac arrests
necessitates ventilation as part of
effective CPR. However, because
compression-only CPR can be
effective in patients with a primary
cardiac arrest, if rescuers are
unwilling or unable to deliver
breaths, we recommend rescuers
perform compression-only CPR for
infants and children in cardiac arrest.
Part 7: CPR With an advanced airway in place,
With an deliver 1 breath every 6 seconds (10
Advanced breaths per minute) while
Airway continuous chest compressions are
being performed.
Ventilation
during CPR
with an
advanced
airway
BLS for Healthcare Providers Student Manual Comparison Chart
Old
Optimal CPR in infants and children
includes both compressions and
ventilations, but compressions alone
are preferable to no CPR.
When an advanced airway (ie,
endotracheal tube, Combitube, or
laryngeal mask airway) is in place
during 2-person CPR, give 1 breath
every 6 to 8 seconds without
attempting to synchronize breaths
between compressions (this will
result in delivery of 8 to 10 breaths
per minute).
Rationale
Large registry studies have
demonstrated worse outcomes for
presumed asphyxial pediatric cardiac
arrest, which comprise the vast majority
of out-of-hospital pediatric cardiac
arrest, treated with compression-only
CPR. In 2 studies, when conventional
CPR (compressions plus breaths) was
not given in presumed asphyxial arrest,
outcomes were no different from when
victims did not receive any bystander
CPR. When a presumed cardiac etiology
was present, outcomes were similar
whether conventional or compression-
only CPR was provided.
This simple single rate for adults,
children, and infantsrather than a
range of breaths per minuteshould be
easier to learn, remember, and perform.
6
BLS Dos and Donts of Adult High-Quality CPR
Rescuers Should
Perform chest compressions at a rate of 100
to 120/min
Compress to a depth of at least 2 inches (5
cm)
Allow full recoil after each compression
Minimize pauses in compressions
Ventilate adequately (2 breaths after 30
compressions, each breath delivered over 1
second, each causing chest rise)
BLS for Healthcare Providers Student Manual Comparison Chart
Rescuers Should Not
Compress at a rate slower than 100/min or
faster than 120/min
Compress to a depth of less than 2 inches
(5 cm) or greater than 2.4 inches (6 cm)
Lean on the chest between compressions
Interrupt compressions for greater than 10
seconds
Provide excessive ventilation (ie, too many
breaths or breaths with excessive force)
7
BLS Course2015 Interim Tool
1- and 2-Rescuer Adult BLS With AED
Skills Testing Sheet

Student Name: Test Date:

CPR Skills (circle one): Pass Needs Remediation

AED Skills (circle one): Pass Needs Remediation

Skill if done
Critical Performance Criteria correctly
Step
1-Rescuer Adult BLS Skills Evaluation
During this first phase, evaluate the first rescuers ability to initiate BLS and deliver high-quality CPR for 5 cycles.
1 Checks responsiveness
2 Yells for help, activates the emergency response system, and sends for an AED
3 Checks breathing and pulse (breathing and pulse check can be performed simultaneously) for at
least 5 seconds and no more than 10 seconds
4 GIVES HIGH-QUALITY CPR:

Correct compression HAND PLACEMENT Cycle 1:

ADEQUATE RATE: 100 to 120/min (ie, delivers each set of 30 chest compressions in no less Cycle 2: Time:
than 15 seconds and no more than 18 seconds)
ADEQUATE DEPTH: Delivers compressions at least 2 inches in depth (at least 23 out of 30) Cycle 3:

ALLOWS COMPLETE CHEST RECOIL (at least 23 out of 30) Cycle 4:

MINIMIZES INTERRUPTIONS: Gives 2 breaths with pocket mask in less than 10 seconds Cycle 5:

Second Rescuer AED Skills Evaluation and SWITCH

During this next phase, evaluate the second rescuers ability to use the AED and both rescuers abilities to switch roles.
5 DURING FIFTH SET OF COMPRESSIONS: Second rescuer arrives with AED and bag-mask
device, turns on AED, and applies pads
6 First rescuer continues compressions while second rescuer turns on AED and applies pads
7 Second rescuer clears victim, allowing AED to analyzeRESCUERS SWITCH
8 If AED indicates a shockable rhythm, second rescuer clears victim again and delivers shock

First Rescuer Bag-Mask Ventilation

During this next phase, evaluate the first rescuers ability to give breaths with a bag-mask.
9 Both rescuers RESUME HIGH-QUALITY CPR immediately after shock delivery: Cycle 1 Cycle 2

SECOND RESCUER gives 30 compressions immediately after shock delivery (for 2 cycles)

FIRST RESCUER successfully delivers 2 breaths with bag-mask (for 2 cycles)

AFTER 2 CYCLES, STOP THE EVALUATION
If the student completes all steps successfully (a in each box to the right of Critical Performance Criteria), the student passed
this scenario.
If the student does not complete all steps successfully (as indicated by a blank box to the right of any of the Critical
Performance Criteria), give the form to the student for review as part of the students remediation.
After reviewing the form, the student will give the form to the instructor who is reevaluating the student. The student will
reperform the entire scenario, and the instructor will notate the reevaluation on this same form.
If the reevaluation is to be done at a different time, the instructor should collect this sheet before the student leaves the classroom.
Remediation (if needed):

Instructor Signature: Instructor Signature:

Print Instructor Name: Print Instructor Name:

Date: Date:
BLS Course2015 Interim Tool
1- and 2-Rescuer Infant BLS
Skills Testing Sheet
Student Name: Test Date:
1-Rescuer BLS and CPR Skills (circle one): Pass Needs Remediation
2-Rescuer CPR Skills
Bag-Mask (circle one): Pass Needs Remediation
2 ThumbEncircling Hands (circle one): Pass Needs Remediation
Skill if done
Critical Performance Criteria correctly
Step
1-Rescuer Infant BLS Skills Evaluation
During this first phase, evaluate the first rescuers ability to initiate BLS and deliver high-quality CPR for 5 cycles.
1 Checks responsiveness
2 Yells for help, activates the emergency response system, and sends for an AED
3 Checks breathing and pulse (breathing and pulse check can be performed simultaneously) for at
least 5 seconds and no more than 10 seconds
4 GIVES HIGH-QUALITY CPR:
Correct compression FINGER PLACEMENT Cycle 1:
ADEQUATE RATE: 100 to 120/min (ie, delivers each set of 30 chest compressions in no Cycle 2: Time:
less than 15 seconds and no more than 18 seconds)
Cycle 3:
ADEQUATE DEPTH: Delivers compressions at least one third the depth of the chest
(approximately 1 inches [4 cm]) (at least 23 out of 30)
Cycle 4:
ALLOWS COMPLETE CHEST RECOIL (at least 23 out of 30)
Cycle 5:
MINIMIZES INTERRUPTIONS: Gives 2 breaths with pocket mask in less than 10 seconds
2-Rescuer CPR and SWITCH
During this next phase, evaluate the FIRST RESCUERS ability to give breaths with a bag-mask and give compressions by
using the 2 thumbencircling hands technique. Also evaluate both rescuers abilities to switch roles.
5 DURING FIFTH SET OF COMPRESSIONS: Second rescuer arrives with bag-mask device.
RESCUERS SWITCH ROLES.
6 Both rescuers RESUME HIGH-QUALITY CPR: Cycle 1 Cycle 2
SECOND RESCUER gives 15 compressions in no less than 7 seconds and no more
than 9 seconds by using 2 thumbencircling hands technique (for 2 cycles) X X
FIRST RESCUER successfully delivers 2 breaths with bag-mask (for 2 cycles)
AFTER 2 CYCLES, PROMPT RESCUERS TO SWITCH ROLES
7 Both rescuers RESUME HIGH-QUALITY CPR: Cycle 1 Cycle 2
FIRST RESCUER gives 15 compressions in no less than 7 seconds and no more than 9 Time: Time:
seconds by using 2 thumbencircling hands technique (for 2 cycles)
SECOND RESCUER successfully delivers 2 breaths with bag-mask (for 2 cycles) X X
AFTER 2 CYCLES, STOP THE EVALUATION
If the student completes all steps successfully (a in each box to the right of Critical Performance Criteria), the student
passed this scenario.
If the student does not complete all steps successfully (as indicated by a blank box to the right of any of the Critical
Performance Criteria), give the form to the student for review as part of the students remediation.
After reviewing the form, the student will give the form to the instructor who is reevaluating the student. The student will
reperform the entire scenario, and the instructor will notate the reevaluation on this same form.
If the reevaluation is to be done at a different time, the instructor should collect this sheet before the student leaves the classroom.

Remediation (if needed):

Instructor Signature: Instructor Signature:
Print Instructor Name: Print Instructor Name:
Date: Date: