Interv Akut Kardiol. 2009;8(1):20-27

Controversial role of mouth-to-mouth ventilation in basic life support - new advisory statement 2008

Anatolij Truhlář, Vladimír Černý

Klinika anesteziologie a resuscitace LF UK a FN Hradec Králové

Authors present a review of current literature on basic life support without mouth-to-mouth ventilation (Hands-Only CPR) which

definitely changed approach of lay rescuers to victims suffering from unexpected cardiac arrest. Historical rationale of integration of

mouth-to-mouth breathing into the Basic Life Support algorithm, its adverse effects and recent role in relation to pathophysiology

of the most frequent type of cardiac arrest in adults are discussed. Conclusions of experimental studies and clinical trials that did not

show any benefit from the addition of mouth-to-mouth breathing during resuscitation of witnessed non-respiratory cardiac arrest in

adults are summarized. Based on these results, scientists made considerably efforts to change urgently the Guidelines which finally

led into premature changes of recommendations published by resuscitation societies this year. Compression-only method should be

strongly thought in first aid courses and preferred when bystanders are not willing or unable to give mouth-to-mouth ventilations, or

if they have not been trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Essential importance of high quality chest compressions must be acknowledged.

Reducing barriers to immediate bystander action (Call to Action) is expected to be the only way that could improve survival

rates remaining unsatisfactory for years.

Keywords: resuscitation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, cardiac arrest, mouth-to-mouth, ventilation.

Published: April 1, 2009  Show citation