Saving a Life in Central Texas with new CPR Guidelines

Emergencies can happen anywhere. Whether you’re enjoying a beautiful day at Zilker Park, grabbing a bite from a food truck, or cheering on your favorite college team, someone could start choking or collapse at any moment—and every second counts when it comes to saving their life.

It’s normal to feel a little unsure in an emergency, but being prepared can turn panic into lifesaving action. As leaders in emergency medicine across Central Texas, we’re committed to empowering our community—from Waco to San Marcos—with the knowledge and skills to act in critical moments.

Let’s explore what’s new and why these updates are so important for you and your loved ones.

Choking

A real choking emergency can be terrifying, but the updated guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA) now provide much clearer guidance to help.

For adults AND children, the new standard is a "five-and-five" approach for both. If you see someone choking, you should alternate between five strong back blows (right between the shoulder blades) and five abdominal thrusts (the classic Heimlich maneuver). Keep repeating this cycle. This combination is proven to be more effective at dislodging an object than just one method alone. Previously, there was no specific guidance for helping an adult who is choking and past recommendations for children called for abdominal thrusts only.

Infants need a gentler approach. For a choking infant, you should lay them securely along your forearm, supporting their head. Then, alternate between five back blows and five chest thrusts (using two fingers on the center of their chest). You should never use abdominal thrusts on infants—they can actually cause serious injury.

A New Tool Against Opioid Overdose

The opioid crisis is a nationwide issue, and our Central Texas communities are not immune. An overdose often leads to respiratory arrest, where a person stops breathing, which then leads to cardiac arrest. Recognizing this, AHA has added new guidelines for you to follow if your loved one is facing a suspected opioid emergency.

Naloxone (often known by its brand name, Narcan) is a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose in minutes. The new guidelines empower everyday people, friends, family, and bystanders, to use it.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Recognize the Signs: Look for slow or stopped breathing, unresponsiveness, gurgling sounds, or tiny pupils, and whose skin, lips or nails are blue or grey.
• Call 911: When you call 911, provide as much detail as possible. They can guide you through life-saving steps while help is on the way. Stay on the line until the dispatcher tells you it’s okay to hang up.
• Administer Naloxone: If you suspect an overdose and have naloxone, use it on your loved one. It’s a simple nasal spray.
• Start CPR: Don't just wait for the naloxone to work. The person still needs oxygen. Begin CPR and continue until first responders take over. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest.

Having naloxone on hand and knowing when to use it is just as important as knowing CPR.

Our Kids Can Be Heroes, Too

One of the most exciting updates is the official confirmation that kids aged 12 and older can effectively learn and perform CPR and use an AED.

This opens the door for more robust CPR training programs in our Central Texas schools. By equipping our young people with these skills, we're creating a whole new generation of lifesavers.

Be the One Who Makes a Difference

At Premier ER & Urgent Care, we’re always ready for any emergency that comes through our doors. But the truth is, survival often starts with you.

We encourage you to take a local CPR and first-aid class and get comfortable with these updated techniques. Check out training opportunities through community organizations, local fire departments, or the American Heart Association. Together, we can create a stronger, safer, and more prepared Central Texas for everyone.