2020 AHA Guidelines - What's New

  • The 2025 AHA Guidelines are the first full revision since 2020 and were published Oct 22, 2025.

  • New/expanded choking guidance (5 back blows + 5 abdominal thrusts for conscious children/adults; infants: 5 back blows + 5 chest thrusts).

  • Increased emphasis and clearer pathway for suspected opioid overdose, including public access naloxone guidance and its role in BLS visuals.

  • Infant CPR technique update: the long-used 2-finger technique is no longer recommended; emphasis shifts to heel-of-1-hand / 2-thumb encircling approaches.

  • Training/education insights in 2025: scripted debriefing may be reasonable; cognitive aids may be reasonable for HCPs but not recommended for lay rescuers due to delays starting CPR.