“Hands-Only” CPR Recommended

Mouth breathing isn’t needed for most CPR, the American Heart Association says. Instead, the group says it’s best just to call 911 and then press hard and fast on the person’s chest. Hands-only CPR requires about 100 pushes per minute until help arrives. This method applies only for adults who collapse and stop breathing. They probably have had a cardiac arrest — when the heart stops beating. Pushing on the chest helps the blood circulate. Children who collapse are more likely to need mouth-to-mouth breathing as well, the group says. The Associated Press reported on the new guidelines April 1.