Yes, you still try to wake the person up, check for breathing and a pulse, and check the airway for obstructions. Although we are now taught to NEVER do a blind finger-sweep for an obstruction. We should only remove something if it is in plain sight and easily grasped. With a blind finger sweep, you're as likely to lodge the obstruction more firmly in the airway as to remove it.

I also carry a barrier with me, but only plan on using it if a second person is with me. If I am alone, I'll only be doing compressions. Good compressions seem to make a bigger difference than rescue breaths, and stopping compressions every 20 seconds, doing a head tilt, repositioning the barrier, and providing two breaths seems detrimental to good compressions.

I am happy to hear that it includes some of the other things that need to be done besides compressions. I have heard a lot of radio adds about this new method lately and all they say to do is call 911 and start compressing

Quality chest compressions are the single most important thing that can be done in the field, in lieu of an AED and EMS transport to the nearest hospital. Ask any Paramedic...

An AED is not a substitute for CPR. AED's combats arrythmia but are useless for a person who has no pulse at all.

Although I've seen a few code blue cases, thankfully only one "assist" with CPR. I didn't do any compressions or breaths but was there if anyone got tired. I tried to get the one rescuer to tilt the airway (patient's stomach was bloating up pretty badly) The patient was quite old and had experienced multiple cardiac arrests before. He had had his sternum removed. He had the "look of death". I thought it was an exercise in futility as did the nurse who was monitoring for a pulse.

EMT's came and, like magic, they got that guy going again. Between the doctor (my dad), nurse, and me, we all called it as futile, where CPR seemed to be pumping a corpse, and BAM! the paramedics brought him back. Remarkable, really.

I believe the EMT's on how much more effective defibrillators are than CPR alone. Saw it with my own two eyes.

My ACLS has lapsed. I need to retrain and recertify.