In traditional CPR, a person provides rescue breathing as well as chest compressions for a person who’s had a cardiac event.

(file photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

KYW medical editor Dr. Brian McDonough says this is what has been taught over the years, but in recent years, studies have shown that chest compressions alone might be good enough and far less complicated.

According to a new report in the New England Journal of Medicine, there is now evidence for bystanders trying to save a life giving CPR with chest compressions is as effective or more effective than the traditional CPR. This is very important because many people are concerned about performing proper CPR.

This report is saying that chest compressions alone are good, which is clearly not as complicated and may lead to more people trying to reach out and help.