Changing guidelines of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and basic life support for general dental practitioners and oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

Introduction: Every general dental practitioner and oral and maxillofacial surgeon needs a thorough knowledge of the diagnosis and management of medical emergencies. Cardiopulmonary arrest is the most urgent of emergencies and diagnosis must be done as soon as possible.

Purpose: This paper discusses the importance of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation which forms the guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), highlighting the important changes in the guidelines of CPR from the year 2000 to 2010, the basic sequence of performing CPR and also the role of defibrillation and the use of automated external defibrillators. Finally the five part chain of survival which is of utmost importance to dental health care professionals and oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

Conclusion: All dental health care personnel and oral & maxillofacial surgeons should recognize the importance of the changes in the guidelines of CPR, be trained and allowed to use a properly maintained defibrillator, to respond to cardiac arrest victims.