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New CPR training wants you to switch your ABCs

Tech. Sgt. Nicole Caldwell, noncommissioned officer in charge of the 18th Dental Squadron, practices giving breaths to a CPR dummy during a Heartsaver class at the 18th Medical Group here on Kadena Air Base, April 15. The American Heart Association has updated the CPR technique with the more effective method of administering immediate chest compressions. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Tara A. Williamson)

New CPR training wants you to switch your ABCs

Tech. Sgt. Jeanette Espiritu, a basic life support administrator, demonstrates how to apply automated external defibrillator, or AED, pads during a Heartsaver class on Kadena Air Base, April 15. Sergeant Espiritu taught the use of AEDs during a class which taught students the new American Heart Association CPR method of administering immediate chest compressions. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Tara A. Williamson)

New CPR training wants you to switch your ABCs

Published April 19, 2011
By Airman 1st Class Tara A. Williamson
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Most people who have gone through CPR training remember being taught the A-B-C's, or Airway-Breathing-Circulation.

However, the American Heart Association is suggesting people change the ABC sequence and switch to CAB, or Circulation-Airway-Breathing.

"Changing from ABC to CAB will save more lives," said Staff Sgt. Mark Simpson, 18th Comptroller Squadron, after taking the new CPR course. "It's a better system for getting nutrients to the brain and the rest of the body by compressing the heart first and not delaying the compressions, which is a very important part of the CPR process."

Tech. Sgt. Jeanette Espiritu, a basic life support administrator, explained that the studies of the CAB method allow the person administering CPR to immediately begin compressions increasing the chances of saving someone's life.

Procedures and statistics on the existing CPR standards are reviewed every five years by the AHA and updated into a more proficient method.

"I believe it's a lot better than before," said Tech. Sgt. Rafael Ortega, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of individual protective equipment, who also took the CPR course. "With the medical group providing this training it creates a better outcome for the injured. Not just in the Air Force, but anywhere. This training is priceless, I enjoy it."

All Airmen will be taught the new CPR sequence in Heartsaver and Healthcare Provider courses. Airmen needing to update their CPR certificates should contact their unit CPR instructor.

Instructor classes for unit CPR are offered once a month for Heartsaver and Healthcare Provider, Sergeant Espiritu stated. To inquire about and schedule a class date, e-mail 18mdg.educationtraining@kadena.af.mil.

The AHA offers training to active duty and Department of Defense civilians. Non DoD personnel can attain CPR certification through the American Red Cross. A list of classes can be found at http://www.kadenaredcross.org.