Following on from our previous discussions about cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), it is important to understand the clinical evidence and arguments for changing the technique in sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) cases. This third article examines the reasoning and early studies in modifying resuscitation for witnessed cardiac arrest. In fact, it is these very data that prompted the AHA to issue a science advisory enhancing the 2005 CPR guidelines.

LOS ANGELES–Finally, a reason to have lived through the 70s -- and another fine reason to relive one of disco's most enduring triumphs, the 1977 hit by the Brothers Gibb, "Stayin' Alive": it could save someone's life.

In performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation -- CPR -- the perfect rhythm is 100 compressions per minute, and done properly, it can triple a heart arrest victim's chances of survival. But how, when you're saving a life, do you achieve that ideal rhythm of life-saving compressions? Think "Stayin' Alive."

Medical students and physicians trained to perform CPR to the bouncing beat of "Stayin' Alive" maintained close to the ideal rhythm recommended by the American Heart Association for chest compressions during CPR, according to a study to be presented Oct. 27 at a Scientific Assembly of the American College of Emergency Physician's annual meeting.

SOUTH PITTSBURG, TN–Tennessee Senator Bo Watson (R) spoke to a group at the Western Sizzlin’ on Thursday concerning his advocacy for legislation to implement the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in both the public and private sectors.

“It seems practical to me for legislation to utilize this technology and allow its use without liability. The common layperson should be asserted certain protection to use AEDs without the fear of a lawsuit,” Watson said. “Cities should allow people to use these devices without having a civil lawsuit on their hands.”

October 14, 2008–NEW YORK–New York Rangers prospect Alexei Cherepanov died during a game in his native Russia on Monday night. He was 19.

The New York Post reported that Cherepanov suffered a heart attack* and collapsed on the bench during Avangard Omsk’s game against Vityav Chekhov.

Former Rangers captain Jaromir Jagr had just finished a shift with Cherepanov and was talking to him when the Russian suddenly collapsed.

TSN of Canada reported that medical officials attempted to get Cherepanov’s heart beating again. According to the web site, the ambulance that is normally at all games had already departed and had to be called back to the arena. The report stated that it took between “15 and 20 minutes” to transport Cherepanov from the arena to the hospital.

“They tried to get his heart started again but they couldn’t,” Omsk head coach Wayne Fleming told the web site.