CPR has certainly changed a lot over the years.

The problem is, we’re not sure many people know CPR has changed.

Phil Wilson, clinical operations manager with ALSTAR EMS, told The Post-Journal recently that the American Health Association comes out with new recommended guidelines for CPR every five years based on new findings and research. Changes unveiled in 2015, for example, indicate that “hands-only” CPR – or simply doing chest compressions – is not only easy for an untrained bystander, but can be sufficient enough to save a life. While performing two rescue breaths for every 30 compressions is still recommended, it’s no longer a requirement. According to the AHA, survival rates between those who receive “hands-only” CPR and those who receive both chest compressions and rescue breaths are relatively similar. For adult victims, rescuers should perform chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute. This differs from previous guidelines, which did not have an upper threshold. Rescuers should perform chest compressions to a depth of at least 2 inches and no more than 2.4 inches. Again, this differs from previous guidelines which did not have an upper threshold.

Businesses or those organizing large events can contact the ALSTAR EMS Training Center or WCA Hospital to set up a quick hands-only CPR training class. And, ALSTAR EMS plans to have a first aid station at the Chautauqua County Fair where people can watch and learn hands-on CPR. A refresher course that takes a few minutes can do a lifetime of good for someone in the midst of an emergency.