2020 BLS Changes

New BLS Book Policy (Copyright 2020, ISBN: 978-1-61669-768-6) $20
The American Heart Association requires all students to bring the new 2020 BLS book to their training class (the old 2016 version is no longer valid or accepted). This is the same policy across the United States and in the Bay Area. This book policy is mandated by the American Heart Association and every training school must follow this policy to maintain their license. The book is not used much in class, but it is used as reference material after your course. If you buy the book from us, you will pick up the book on the day of your course. We do not ship the book and you cannot pick up the book prior to class.

If you need to purchase the new book before your class, you can purchase it here:
www.bayareacpr.org/pay

Here are a few of the changes from the new 2020 Guidelines:

1. Adult and Pediatric Chains of Survival
   A new in-hospital cardiac arrest Chain of Survival for pediatrics was added, and it has the sixth link, for recovery. A sixth link, recovery, was also added to both of the out-of-hospital Chains of Survival (adult and pediatric). The process of recovery from cardiac arrest extends long after the initial hospitalization. Support is needed during recovery to ensure optimal physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being and return to social/role functioning. This process should be initiated during the initial hospitalization and continue for as long as needed.
2. Rescue Breathing: Adult
   Change to 1 breath every 6 seconds (10 breaths per minute).
3. Compressions
   Quickly move bulky clothes out of the way. If a person’s clothes are difficult to remove, you can still provide compressions over clothing. If an AED becomes available, remove all clothing that covers the chest. AED pads must not be placed over any clothing.
4. Infant Compressions
   Single rescuer: use 2 fingers, 2 thumbs, or the heel of 1 hand for infants. For infants, single rescuers (whether lay rescuers or healthcare providers) should compress the sternum with 2 fingers or 2 thumbs placed just below the nipple line. For infants, if the rescuer is unable to achieve guideline-recommended depths (at least one third the diameter of the chest), it may be reasonable to use the heel of 1 hand.
5. Pediatric Ventilation Rates
   For infants and children with a pulse who are receiving rescue breathing or who are receiving CPR with an advanced airway in place, provide 1 breath every 2 to 3 seconds (20-30 breaths per minute).
6. Opioids
   For a patient with suspected opioid overdose who has a definite pulse but no normal breathing or only gasping (ie, a respiratory arrest), in addition to providing rescue breathing, give naloxone. For a patient with suspected opioid overdose who has no pulse and no breathing, consider giving naloxone but do not delay CPR. For a patient with suspected opioid overdose who has a definite pulse and normal breathing, consider naloxone, and transport to the hospital.