10/27/2025
A Word About the 2025 AHA Guidelines & Mechanical CPR Devices
We know many in our EMS community have concerns about the AHA's recommendations regarding mechanical CPR devices in the newly released 2025 guidelines. We want to address this directly.
First, it's important to remember: this is not a new stance. The AHA held the same position in their 2020 guidelines, and we continued using mechanical CPR devices then, based on our Medical Director's clinical practice guidelines. We will continue to do the same now.
The AHA guidelines are exactly that: guidelines and recommendations. They provide evidence-based frameworks, but they must be adapted and approved by each agency's EMS Medical Director to fit our specific operational needs and patient populations.
Our Medical Director will review these guidelines and determine what's best for our services and our patients. Until then, our clinical practice guidelines remain unchanged.
We understand the passion around this topic. Mechanical CPR devices have become valuable tools in many EMS systems, and research continues to evolve. Let's have thoughtful, evidence-based discussions while trusting the process that allows our Medical Director to make the best decisions for our community.
Questions or concerns? Please reach out to our leadership team or EMS Medical Director through the appropriate channels.
Stay safe out there. 🚑
