Abstract: Baker et al., (2008) showed diminished rates of survival in the CPR-first group. Based largely on the evidence of the two Australian RCTs, the 2010 ILCOR guidelines removed the recommendation for CPR first, stating that 'there is inconsistent evidence to support or refute a delay in defibrillation to provide a period (90 s to 3 min) of CPR for patients in VF/pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT) cardiac arrest' (ILCOR, 2010, p. e6).\n For this reason, and due to the increased chance of accidental defibrillation, it is the recommendation of the author that it only be used by health professionals who are able practise on a regular basis.