Approximately every five years the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR),
updates the guidelines for CPR and ECC (Emergency Cardiac Care).
The content contained herein is based on the most recent ILCOR publications on BLS. Recommendations
for adult basic life support (BLS) from the 2020 Guidelines for CPR and ECC include
the following:
β’ The importance of early initiation of CPR by lay rescuers has been re-emphasized. The
risk of harm to the patient is low if the patient is not in cardiac arrest. Bystanders should
not be afraid to start CPR even if they are not sure whether the victim is breathing or in
Cardiac Arrest.
β’ A sixth link, Recovery, was added to the Chains of Survival for both Pediatric and Adults.
β’ Care of the patient after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) requires close attention
to oxygenation, blood pressure control, evaluation for percutaneous coronary intervention,
targeted temperature management, and multimodal neuroprognostication.
β’ Because recovery from cardiac arrest continues long after the initial hospitalization, patients
should have formal assessment and support for their physical, cognitive, and psychosocial
needs.
β’ After a resuscitation, debriefing for lay rescuers, EMS providers, and hospital-based
healthcare workers may be beneficial to support their mental health and well-being.
β’ Management of cardiac arrest in pregnancy focuses on maternal resuscitation, with
preparation for early perimortem cesarean delivery if necessary to save the infant and
improve the chances of successful resuscitation of the mother.