A Japanese study published this week in the American medical journal The Lancet shows that cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) without rescue breathing — also known as “kiss of life” – provides better chances of survival and prevents brain damage in victims of heart attacks. Simple chest compressions applied regularly allow continuous oxygenation of the brain and keeps the blood flowing, and should be the preferential method used by bystanders who witness a cardiac arrest, while waiting for the emergency services to arrive.

People who collapse from a sudden heart attack should not receive mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, according to a study that overturns the advice given on how bystanders should react in such a situation.

Source: New Scientist