Summary of 2025 changes – introduced in 2026
update video
https://vimeo.com/abctraining/2025changes?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci
Amendment to the DRABC - now it is DRCABCDE
Early ambulance call if patient is unresponsive.
Call handler can assist in detecting agonal or altered
breathing noises, such as panting, which should be
treated as a cardiac arrest. Use speaker function if alone.
Send for a defib early.
CPR ratios have been amended.
For paediatric patients (0-18 years old)
give 5 initial breaths then do 15 compressions to 2 breaths.
Adult (19 years plus) remains the same at
30 compressions to 2 breaths.
Introduction of an ‘adolescent’ age range,
which is 13-18 yrs old.
Treat as a child (5 initial breaths, then 15-2)
but give 5-6cm compressions.
Introduction of jaw thrust technique if spinal injury suspected.
Adjusted recovery position to be used in a fluid compromised
airway if spinal injury suspected.
Drowning patient - give 5 initial breaths on all ages.
Defib pad position - 8yrs+ move side pad nearer armpit and on under 8yrs have top pad slightly left of centre and back pad still in centre.
Baby chest compressions – use thumb encircling technique.
Same method when helping choking baby.
Reminder that rescue breaths are important (if trained to give) – can double survival rates over compressions alone.
Keep person on bed for CPR - do harder compressions -
remove pillows.
Can leave bra on when using defib – can adjust.
Removing it is preferable.
Consider using paediatric / diagnostic
assessment triangle to identify time
critical issues.
Amputated parts - now recommend wrapping the
body part in a cloth or dressing, moistened with water, before
placing in a plastic bag and cooling, ideally with ice.
Don't let the ice touch the body part directly.
Button battery treatment - give honey –
two teaspoons every 10 mins (if person 12 months old or above).
Adrenaline pens to be used in one leg then opposite leg
(after 5 mins) if second pen needed.
Heart attacks in women may not have classic chest pain symptoms – more likely to have nausea, jaw pain, shoulder pain, shortness of breath for example.
Hypo-glycaemia – can be caused by other medical conditions,
fasting, alcohol consumption etc and can be treated with sugary drink (50-100ml), 15-20g of glucose or dextrose or in conscious children can put half a teaspoon of sugar under tongue.