Updated CPR guidelines could bring more ease and comfort to those performing the potentially life-saving emergency procedures.

“The guidelines change approximately every five years,” said Frank Prowant, member of the EMS division of the Ankeny Fire Department.

Changes are implemented by the American Heart Association, which is just one section of a larger group called the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation.

Rich Lee, member of the Mary Greeley medical center staff, said changes are made from evidence-based research.

“In terms of CPR, there are 13 major changes,” Lee said.

Lee said in the past, guidelines recommended one minute of CPR be performed on a victim who has collapsed before calling 911. Now the rule is to perform two minutes of CPR and then call 911.

Prowant said the number of compressions is also being increased.

Instead of 15 compressions to every 2 ventilations, it will now be 30 compressions to every 2 ventilations, he said.

The main reason for doubling the number of compressions, he said, is to pump a heavier blood flow to the heart and brain.

Another updated rescue tactic dealt with the automatic external defibrillator, Prowant said. Less shocks will be delivered now to give time for the heart to refill with blood and oxygen.

Prowant said every person currently certified in CPR will not have to be recertified until his or her next renewal date.

“The American Heart Association recommends every two years at a maximum,” Prowant said, regarding recertification.

“We will be rolling out instructions in Iowa February of 2006 and being teaching at that time.”

CPR classes in Ames will offer these new requirements in the spring.

Course materials still need to be delivered and taught to CPR instructors, which is the reason for the delay.

“All of our volunteers will have to be trained and updated before teaching others,” said La’Tifini McClinton, an employee at American Red Cross chapter in Ames.

McClinton was not aware of the complete guidelines yet but knew the Red Cross’ instructions would be updated and in effect by March.

“I think they have tried to keep it effective yet simpler,” Lee said.