AHA UPDATES

2025 American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines  

Key Changes for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care  

(Plain text – ready to copy, print, or distribute)

1. Single Unified Chain of Survival  

   Applies to ALL cardiac arrests (adult, pediatric, in-hospital, out-of-hospital).  

   Replaces the separate 2020 chains – simpler training and response.

2. CPR with Breaths (Major Change)  

   All trained rescuers (laypeople and professionals) should give rescue breaths with compressions (30:2 ratio) when able and trained.  

   Hands-only CPR is no longer the primary recommendation for trained responders.

3. High-Quality CPR Emphasis  

   Rate: 100–120 per minute  

   Depth: 5–6 cm (adults)  

   Full recoil, minimal interruptions  

   Real-time feedback devices (apps, manikins) strongly recommended.

4. New Adult Choking Protocol (Conscious Victim)  

   5 back blows (between shoulder blades)  

   Then 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver)  

   Repeat cycle until object is expelled or victim becomes unresponsive  

   If unresponsive → start CPR and check airway with each cycle.

5. Opioid Overdose Response  

   Naloxone is now first-line treatment for suspected opioid overdose.  

   Immediate administration (intranasal or IM) if available.  

   Perform CPR if victim is not breathing normally.  

   Integrated into all BLS and Heartsaver courses.

6. Mechanical CPR Devices  

   Not recommended for routine use in adults (no proven survival benefit).  

   May be considered only when manual CPR is difficult or unsafe.

7. Early Defibrillation  

   Apply AED as soon as available – no delay.  

   Support for drone-delivered AED programs in communities.

8. CPR Surface  

   Perform CPR on a firm surface whenever possible.

9. Drowning Victims  

   New guidance: prioritize ventilations if drowning is suspected.

10. Post-Cardiac Arrest Care & Recovery  

    Structured temperature management, neurological screening, and family psychological support.  

    Goal: >80% of survivors with good neurological outcome.

BLS / Heartsaver Course Updates  

- All AHA courses (BLS Provider, Renewal, Heartsaver CPR AED, First Aid, etc.) now teach the 2025 science.  

- Current 2020 certification cards remain valid until their expiration date.  

- Instructors must complete the 2025 Science Update by February 28, 2026.  

- Full transition to 2025 materials required by July 1, 2026.

Official Source:  

American Heart Association 2025 Guidelines for CPR and ECC  

Published October 22, 2025 in Circulation and Resuscitation  

For the latest materials: cpr.heart.org