New cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines 2005: importance of uninterrupted chest compression

The evidence supports quality controlled chest compression as the initial intervention after "sudden death" before attempted defibrillation, if the duration of cardiac arrest is more than 5 minutes. The new guidelines mandate lesser interruptions for ventilation, before and following electrical shocks, and single rather than multiple electrical shocks before resuming chest compression. The new guidelines refocus on uninterrupted chest compression after cardiac arrest of nonasphyxial cause and modifications in practices that reduce the need for interruptions.