The AHA Now Supports Starting CPR Education Before Age 12

The 2025 guidelines introduced a new recommendation that CPR training should begin in children younger than 12 years old to improve willingness and self-confidence later in life. This is a meaningful shift for schools and communities that want to build a stronger long-term bystander response culture.

The AHA’s reasoning is that early exposure helps children become more comfortable with emergency response concepts, including calling for help, recognizing emergencies, and understanding CPR and AED use. In other words, lifesaving confidence can start growing long before formal certification age.

References
American Heart Association. Highlights of the 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC.

Dispatchers Now Have Different CPR Instructions for Adults and Children

The 2025 AHA highlights emphasize that telecommunicators should not use a one-size-fits-all CPR script. Instead, dispatchers are guided to direct lay rescuers to perform Hands-Only CPR for adults and conventional CPR, including breaths, for children.

This distinction matters because pediatric arrests are more often linked to breathing problems or asphyxial causes, where ventilation is especially important. For adults, dispatcher-assisted Hands-Only CPR remains the simpler and faster public message. That age-based split is one of the more practical communication updates in the new guidelines.

References
American Heart Association. Highlights of the 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC.

In Pediatric CPR, Compression Pauses Should Stay Under 10 Seconds

The 2025 AHA guidelines added a clear pediatric CPR target: for infants and children in cardiac arrest, interruptions in CPR should be minimized and pauses in chest compressions should be less than 10 seconds. This gives rescuers and instructors a more specific benchmark for high-quality pediatric resuscitation.

This matters because long pauses weaken circulation during CPR. By keeping pauses extremely short, rescuers preserve perfusion and improve the overall quality of resuscitation. For pediatric providers, this is one of the cleaner and more useful practical updates in the 2025 guidelines.

References
American Heart Association. Highlights of the 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC.

For Lone Adult Rescuers, Call First, Then Start CPR

The 2025 AHA adult BLS take-home messages say that once a lone rescuer identifies an adult in cardiac arrest, that rescuer should activate the emergency response system first and then immediately begin CPR. This reinforces the need to get EMS moving and bring an AED into the chain as early as possible.

That sequence is especially important in adult sudden cardiac arrest because defibrillation can be the difference-maker. Calling first helps trigger the full response while still keeping the delay to CPR as short as possible.

References
American Heart Association. Part 7: Adult Basic Life Support.

Adult CPR Should Usually Begin Where the Patient Is Found

One practical point in the 2025 AHA adult BLS guidance is that resuscitation should generally be performed where the patient is found, as long as high-quality CPR can be given safely and effectively. That means rescuers usually should not waste precious time moving an adult in cardiac arrest before starting CPR.

This guidance supports a faster response. In real life, every delay costs oxygen delivery to the brain and heart. If the scene is safe, the priority is to begin effective chest compressions and use an AED as soon as possible rather than spending time trying to reposition the victim somewhere else.

References
American Heart Association. Part 7: Adult Basic Life Support.

Mechanical CPR Is Not Recommended for Routine Adult Use

The 2025 AHA guidelines state that the routine use of mechanical CPR devices is not recommended for adult cardiac arrest. While these devices may still have a role in limited situations, the guidelines make clear that manual high-quality CPR remains the standard approach for most adult arrests.

The reason is straightforward: studies have not shown better survival with routine mechanical CPR compared with good manual compressions. The AHA does note that these devices may be considered when manual compressions are difficult or unsafe, but they should not replace strong, consistent hands-on CPR in typical scenarios.

References
American Heart Association. Highlights of the 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC.
American Heart Association. Part 7: Adult Basic Life Support.

Naloxone Is Now Included in the Adult BLS Algorithm

The 2025 American Heart Association guidelines made an important update to adult Basic Life Support by incorporating opioid antagonists such as naloxone directly into the adult BLS algorithms. This reflects the growing need for rescuers to recognize opioid-associated emergencies quickly and respond before respiratory arrest progresses to full cardiac arrest.

This change matters because opioid emergencies often begin as a breathing problem before becoming a circulatory one. By placing naloxone into the adult BLS framework, the AHA is reinforcing that early recognition, emergency activation, support of breathing, CPR when needed, and naloxone administration can all be part of the lifesaving response.

References
American Heart Association. Part 1: Executive Summary.
American Heart Association. Part 7: Adult Basic Life Support.

2025 AHA Guidelines Reinforce Better Bag-Mask Ventilation Technique

The 2025 American Heart Association guidelines continue to stress that ventilation during CPR must be controlled and effective. Rescuers should deliver each breath over about 1 second, using only enough air to produce visible chest rise. This helps reduce the risk of excessive ventilation, which can lead to gastric inflation, aspiration, and decreased cardiac output. (cpr.heart.org)

The guidelines also make an important point about bag-mask ventilation technique: 2-rescuer bag-mask ventilation is most effective when one rescuer uses both hands to seal the mask and open the airway while the second rescuer squeezes the bag. The AHA specifically notes that the 2-handed mask technique with jaw thrust is superior to the 1-handed technique often called the E-C clamp. (cpr.heart.org)

So the main takeaway is not really “use a two-handed E-C clamp.” A more accurate way to say it is this: the 2025 guidelines reinforce the value of a 2-person, 2-handed bag-mask technique with jaw thrust, along with slow, controlled 1-second breaths to improve ventilation quality and reduce hyperventilation. (cpr.heart.org)

References
American Heart Association. Part 7: Adult Basic Life Support. (cpr.heart.org)

American Heart Association. Highlights of the 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC. (cpr.heart.org)

2025 AHA Guidelines Expand Focus on Opioid Overdose Response

The 2025 American Heart Association guidelines place stronger emphasis on rapid naloxone use during suspected opioid overdose and support broader public access to naloxone. The guidelines include a new algorithm for opioid-related emergencies and recommend policies that allow lay rescuers to possess and use naloxone without fear of civil or criminal liability when acting in good faith. (newsroom.heart.org, cpr.heart.org)

The AHA also states that naloxone distribution programs can help increase access among lay rescuers and reduce opioid-related overdose deaths. In practical terms, that means communities, workplaces, schools, and public venues should think about naloxone the same way they think about other lifesaving emergency tools: it should be available, visible, and ready to use. (cpr.heart.org)

A related AHA emergency planning guide also says organizations should consider storing naloxone with AED equipment or emergency kits. So while “public access opioid kits” is not the formal guideline phrase, the direction is clearly toward broader naloxone availability in public emergency response planning. (cpr.heart.org)

References
American Heart Association. Updated CPR guidelines tackle choking response, opioid-related emergencies and a revised Chain of Survival. (newsroom.heart.org)

American Heart Association. Part 4: Systems of Care. (cpr.heart.org)

American Heart Association. Part 1: Executive Summary. (cpr.heart.org)

American Heart Association. Cardiac Emergency Response Plan Editable Template Guide. (cpr.heart.org)

Compression Continuity Still Matters: Resume CPR Immediately After a Shock

The 2025 American Heart Association guidelines continue to emphasize one of the most important rules in resuscitation: keep interruptions in chest compressions as short as possible. After a shock is delivered, rescuers should resume chest compressions immediately instead of pausing to wait for a rhythm check. (cpr.heart.org)

This matters because long pauses reduce hands-on time during CPR and can lower the chance of return of circulation. The AHA notes that immediate resumption of compressions after defibrillation shortens the peri-shock pause, improves chest compression fraction, and supports better overall resuscitation quality. (cpr.heart.org)

The current AHA algorithms reflect this clearly: after a shock, providers are instructed to resume CPR immediately for 2 minutes, then allow the AED or defibrillator to prompt the next rhythm check. (cpr.heart.org)

Important note: this is better framed as a continued emphasis in the 2025 guidelines, not a brand-new change. The same immediate post-shock CPR approach also appeared in prior AHA algorithms. (cpr.heart.org)

References
American Heart Association. Part 7: Adult Basic Life Support. (cpr.heart.org)

American Heart Association. Adult Basic Life Support Algorithm for Health Care Professionals, 2025. (cpr.heart.org)

American Heart Association. Adult Basic Life Support Algorithm for Healthcare Providers, 2020. (cpr.heart.org)

2025 AHA Guidelines Emphasize Faster Cardiac Arrest Recognition and Early Defibrillation

The 2025 American Heart Association guidelines continue to stress a simple truth: the faster cardiac arrest is recognized, the faster lifesaving care can begin. Early recognition, immediate high-quality CPR, and prompt defibrillation remain some of the most important steps in improving survival.

The guidelines also reinforce the importance of using an AED as soon as it is available. In a cardiac arrest with a shockable rhythm, every minute of delay can reduce the chance of survival, which is why CPR training now puts strong emphasis on quick action, fast pad placement, and minimizing hesitation.

One related issue the AHA specifically addresses is hesitation in helping women during cardiac arrest. The 2025 guidelines recommend educational training and public awareness efforts to reduce barriers to performing lay rescuer CPR on females, since women are less likely to receive bystander CPR in public places.

Important note: I could verify the AHA’s guidance on reducing hesitation in responding to female victims, but I did not find an official 2025 AHA statement specifically saying there is a new guideline focused on faster AED pad application for female victims. That part is safer to frame as a broader training goal rather than a direct guideline quote.

References
American Heart Association. Highlights of the 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC.

American Heart Association. Part 7: Adult Basic Life Support.

American Heart Association. Part 1: Executive Summary.

American Heart Association. Cardiac Emergency Response Plan and Protocol.

AHA Updates Choking Response for Conscious Adults and Children

The 2025 American Heart Association guidelines updated the recommended response for severe choking in conscious adults and children. Instead of using abdominal thrusts alone, rescuers should now give 5 back blows followed by 5 abdominal thrusts, repeating that cycle until the object is expelled or the person becomes unresponsive.

This change creates a more consistent and practical approach to choking emergencies. The AHA notes that back blows are now recommended as the initial step for conscious adults with severe foreign-body airway obstruction, followed by abdominal thrusts. If the person becomes unresponsive, CPR should be started.

For CPR training, this update matters because choking emergencies can escalate quickly into cardiac arrest. A simpler, standardized response helps both lay rescuers and trained providers act faster and with more confidence.

References
American Heart Association. Updated CPR guidelines tackle choking response, opioid-related emergencies and a revised Chain of Survival.

American Heart Association. Part 7: Adult Basic Life Support.

American Heart Association. Part 6: Pediatric Basic Life Support.

American Heart Association. Part 1: Executive Summary.

What Changed in the 2025 AHA Chain of Survival?

The 2025 American Heart Association guidelines introduced a simpler, more unified approach to cardiac arrest response. Instead of using separate Chains of Survival for adult, pediatric, in-hospital, and out-of-hospital cases, the AHA now uses one unified 6-link Chain of Survival for both adult and pediatric cardiac arrest.

The 6 links are:

  1. Recognition and Emergency Activation
  2. High-Quality CPR
  3. Defibrillation
  4. Advanced Resuscitation
  5. Post-Cardiac Arrest Care
  6. Recovery and Survivorship

This change helps simplify CPR training and reinforces a consistent response across settings. The message is clear: recognize cardiac arrest quickly, activate help, start high-quality CPR, and use an AED as soon as possible. The guidelines also emphasize that prevention and preparedness still matter, even though they are discussed as actions that happen before the formal 6-link chain begins.

References
American Heart Association. Part 1: Executive Summary. 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC.

American Heart Association. Part 4: Systems of Care. 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC.

American Heart Association Newsroom. Cardiac Arrest Chain of Survival Infographic.

American Heart Association. Highlights of the 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC

How to Get Your AHA BLS Renewal in the Twin Cities: A 2026 Guide for MN Nurses and Healthcare Pros

How to Get Your AHA BLS Renewal in the Twin Cities: A 2026 Guide for MN Nurses and Healthcare Pros

If your BLS card is close to expiring, this is not the time to take chances on a course that sounds convenient but could create problems later. In Minnesota, nursing renewal comes with continuing education and documentation requirements, and many employers, schools, and clinical sites across the Twin Cities expect current, instructor-led credentials. If you need to find a class quickly, you can view upcoming AHA BLS classes in Minnesota here.

For many nurses, CNAs, and medical assistants, the issue is pretty simple. You need the right BLS card, from a provider employers recognize, without burning your day off on online modules, tech issues, or multiple appointments.

Does the Minnesota Board of Nursing Accept Online-Only CPR?

The Minnesota Board of Nursing requires 24 contact hours of continuing education for RNs and 12 for LPNs every two years. While the Board does not endorse one single CPR provider, many major Twin Cities health systems, including Allina Health, M Health Fairview, and Mayo Clinic, commonly expect Healthcare Provider level BLS with a hands-on skills check.

That is where people can get tripped up. Some fast online-only courses look legitimate at first, but if there is no real instructor involvement or hands-on evaluation, the card may not be accepted where you need it. For most healthcare professionals, the safer choice is an official AHA BLS Provider course with a certified instructor.

Full Classroom vs. Hybrid: Why In-Person Often Feels Easier

Some competitors, including SureFire CPR, promote a 24/7 model that uses self-guided kiosks and smart manikins. For some people that may sound convenient, but for many healthcare professionals it ends up feeling like one more thing to manage.

  • No extra homework: SureFire requires a 2 to 4 hour online module before you can even do the skills portion. With In-Pulse CPR, there is no pre-work required. You show up, complete the class, and move on with your day.
  • Real instruction matters: At a kiosk, you are mostly working through the process on your own. In a live class, you can ask questions, get corrected in real time, and learn from an instructor with actual field or clinical experience.
  • Simpler scheduling: You are not dealing with entry codes, separate steps, or technical support. You register, attend class, and finish everything in one visit.

Where to Find BLS Classes in the Twin Cities and West Metro

Location matters more than people think, especially when you are trying to fit renewal around work, school, or family. While some competitors focus heavily on Edina or Roseville, we offer convenient access for healthcare professionals in the west metro, including Plymouth, Wayzata, Minnetonka, and Maple Grove, as well as those in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, and Woodbury.

You can check our Minnesota CPR class schedule here to find a class that fits your shift or school schedule.

Top Metro Employers and Schools That Require AHA BLS

In Minnesota, an AHA BLS card is often seen as the standard for healthcare roles and clinical programs. It is commonly required for:

  • Health systems: Allina Health, M Health Fairview, North Memorial, and Children’s Minnesota.
  • Nursing and allied health students: Programs connected to the University of Minnesota, St. Catherine University, and MCTC often require documented BLS before clinical participation.

FAQs for Minnesota Healthcare Professionals

What if my Minnesota license or job deadline is at the end of the month?

That is one of the biggest reasons people look for a local class. We provide official AHA eCards the next day as class completion, so you can send documentation to HR or your program quickly.

Is Red Cross or AHA better for Twin Cities healthcare jobs?

Some employers accept either, but many hospitals, clinics, and surgery centers in Minnesota specifically ask for the AHA BLS Provider card. That is why many healthcare workers choose AHA from the start.

Do I have to complete anything before class?

Not with us. We keep it straightforward. The education, skills, and testing are handled in one session, with no logins, no module problems, and no extra homework ahead of time.

A Smarter Way to Renew in Minneapolis and St. Paul

If you are renewing in the Twin Cities, the best option is usually the one that is local, recognized, and easy to complete without extra hassle. A good class should help you get in, get trained, and get the documentation you need without turning it into a project.

License expiring soon? We stand behind the certifications we issue. Employer rejection is very rare, but if there is ever a problem with acceptance, we will make it right or provide a full refund. We have trained more than 150,000 students with a strong focus on employer-accepted, hands-on certification.

Register for your Twin Cities BLS renewal class here and get your official AHA eCard the next day.

DO SOMETHING!

proper cpr

Written by Carol – In-Pulse CPR Instructor |
Updated 2026

A number of years ago, our neighborhood experienced every parent’s worst nightmare.

Five-year-old Shannon was coming home from kindergarten on a cold, slippery January afternoon in Pennsylvania. The bus driver was experienced, well-loved, and had driven for 22 years without incident. This was supposed to be just another routine stop.

Shannon stepped off the bus and walked safely across the street, where her mother was waiting. Everything seemed perfectly normal.

Then, in a moment that lasted only seconds, everything changed.

A piece of paper slipped from Shannon’s hand and blew underneath the bus. Like any child might, she chased it—crawling underneath to retrieve it.

The driver had no way of knowing.

As the bus began to move, screams erupted from the children still on board.

It was already too late.

Neighbors rushed outside. Her mother screamed in desperation. The driver was in shock. Someone called 911.

And then, in the middle of chaos and heartbreak, one man stepped forward.

Mr. Meyers, a neighbor, began CPR on Shannon.

Did he believe it would save her?

No.

In fact, he later shared something that stays with me to this day:

He knew there was no chance.

But he did it anyway.

He didn’t perform CPR because he thought it would change the outcome.

He did it for her mother.

Because in that moment of unimaginable grief, she needed to see that everything possible was being done. She needed to know that her child was not alone. That someone cared enough to try.

What This Teaches Us

CPR is often thought of as a life-saving technique—and it is.

But sometimes, it becomes something more.

  • It shows compassion when words fall short
  • It brings action into moments of helplessness
  • It gives families a sense that their loved one mattered
  • It ensures that no one stands by doing nothing

Don’t Just Stand There

In an emergency, people freeze.

They look around.
They wait.
They hope someone else will act.

But those moments matter.

Whether there is hope… or even when there isn’t…

Do something.

Because sometimes, the act of trying is more powerful than the outcome itself.

Being Proactive is the best choice. Why is CPR training important?

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Disclaimer:
Use of any advise on this site is purely at your own risk.  The information supplied is designed to accompany CPR and first aid training not to replace.  In-Pulse CPR, Inc disclaims any liability for losses you incur as a result of inaccuracy of the information provided on this website.  Information on this site is for education, supplemental to examination by and advice of medical professionals.   Any information regarding first aid treatments is not meant to replace the advice of medical professionals including physicians, paramedics, emergency room attendants, nurses or other licensed medical personnel.