2025 Korean Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: Part 11. First aid.

Abstract

The 2025 Korean Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation include a first aid section developed through a systematic review and evidence appraisal. The revision aimed to strengthen prehospital first aid response capacity while reflecting the Korean healthcare system, field feasibility, and relevant legal and institutional contexts. The guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for seven priority emergencies: adult chest pain suggestive of myocardial infarction, suspected acute ischemic stroke, asthma-related dyspnea, anaphylaxis, seizures, shock, and syncope. Core principles emphasize early recognition, prompt activation of emergency medical services, minimizing delays to definitive care, and safe condition-specific interventions. Key recommendations include assisting with patient-prescribed medications when appropriate (e.g., nitroglycerin, inhaled bronchodilators, and epinephrine autoinjectors), using structured stroke screening tools, preventing aspiration through proper positioning and withholding oral intake in patients at risk of dysphagia, administering oxygen only for hypoxemia, and initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation in patients who are unconscious and not breathing normally. Seizure management focuses on safety and emergency medical services activation criteria, while care for shock and syncope emphasizes patient positioning and post-event assessment. These recommendations provide practical, evidence-based guidance for improving patient safety and outcomes in prehospital settings.