Posted By Keith Rhodes I have come across changes to the way resusitation (Basic Life Support)is carried out, via the British Sub-aqua Club, in order to address European Resuscitation Council (ERC) Guidelines for Resuscitation (2005) (Ref 2) and the Resuscitation Council (UK) Guidelines 2005 (Ref 3). The main change is in the CC/AV ratio from 15:2 to 30:2. I can find no mention on the HSE site, nor St John or Red Cross although such a substantial change would surely be taken up across the board by other First Aid organisations. Any comments folks?

Posted By Clairey O There has been an earlier thread on this subject. The changes are indeed correct. They came about in Nov 2005. The voluntary aid societies will be introducing these into there course from Aug 06 onwards - independent trainers like myself we're already doing them. http://www.iosh.co.uk/in...iew&Forum=1&Thread=17774 is the earlier link on this subject.

Posted By Paul Price I sent three of my staff on a first aid at work course in January with the British Red Cross their tutor never mentioned the changes until the last day ( and still taught 15:2 )it seems that they are waitng to update their manuals as St Johns and BRC were consulted .I have read that the HSE has told first aid training providers to implement the changes by June 2006.http://www.ucl.ac.uk/efd/safety_services_www/news/bulletin/2006/february.pdf

Posted By Patrick Burns CMIOSH - SpDipEM - MIQA I have just finished my First Aid at Work Refresher training and the ratio is 30/2, 30/2 30/2 until the person is resuscitated, someone takes over or you are physically incapable of continuing. I believe the reason for change is that there is still sufficient O2 in the blood and there is more of a need to ensure adequate circulation of blood through the body. It has been worked out to get a full flow through the body it will take 30 chest compressions after which two breaths will give sufficient O2 to start the process again. The updated First Aid Books cover this update and I would assume that trained first aiders would review and update their knowledge as necessary. There are to be further changes to First Aid training which will see a requirement for an annual refresher rather than the current three-yearly one.