The World’s Okayest Medic Podcast The AHA 2025 Updates are a Nothingburger
Oct 24, 2025
The host critiques the AHA's 2025 updates, deeming them underwhelming and cherry-picked. He discusses the downfall of Heads Up CPR and the shift towards IV access over IO. Key recommendations include stronger cardioversion guidelines for atrial arrhythmias and support for chest compressions during LVAD arrests. Concerns are raised about the efficacy of mechanical CPR devices and the reliance on epinephrine despite questionable outcomes. A balanced discussion on airway strategies rounds out a thorough examination of current practices in resuscitation.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Clear Guidance For LVAD And Obese Patients
- AHA gives class I support for doing chest compressions on LVAD patients during arrest.
- Treat obese patients the same as others for resuscitation maneuvers.
Use Feedback Devices With ETCO2
- Use real-time CPR feedback devices and end-tidal CO2 together to guide resuscitation.
- Train crews to rely on both metrics instead of treating ETCO2 as the single endpoint.
ECPR Remains Experimental For Adults
- AHA gave little endorsement to adult ECPR and rated pediatric eCPR as 2B.
- Mike highlights logistical, cost, and resource concerns that limit broad eCPR adoption.