South Korea's New CPR Guidelines Prioritize Dignity and Survival in Emergencies

South Korea has updated its cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines with key changes for treating cardiovascular emergencies. The new recommendations, developed by the Korean Academy of Medical Sciences and the Korean Society of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, focus on improving survival rates while respecting patient dignity. Adjustments include revised techniques for automated external defibrillator (AED) use, infant CPR, and drowning-related incidents.

One major update advises rescuers not to remove an unresponsive woman's undergarments when applying an AED. Instead, the guidelines recommend adjusting the clothing and placing the pads directly on the bare chest while avoiding breast tissue. Experiments confirmed that leaving undergarments in place did not interfere with pad adhesion or the effectiveness of the shock.

For infants, the two-thumb encircling method is now the standard for CPR, regardless of how many rescuers are present. The guidelines also expand the protocol for choking infants, adding palm-heel thrusts to the existing back blows and chest thrusts.

In cases of drowning-induced cardiac arrest, the updated rules emphasize performing conventional CPR, including rescue breathing. Additionally, emergency call handlers will now actively guide callers on AED use to boost defibrillator deployment rates.

The revised guidelines aim to simplify life-saving procedures while maintaining effectiveness. By refining techniques for AED use, infant resuscitation, and drowning emergencies, South Korea's medical authorities seek to improve response times and patient outcomes. The changes reflect ongoing research and practical testing to ensure best practices in CPR.