The American Heart Association (AHA) has released its 2025 Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC), a milestone reflecting five years of global collaboration in advancing resuscitation science. Among the distinguished experts shaping these updates is Marina Del Ríos, MD, MS, Professor in the Section of Emergency Medicine, whose leadership and expertise was pivotal role in the development of the new recommendations.
Dr. Del Ríos led the multidisciplinary writing and review groups composed of more that 140 world renowned experts responsible for evaluating emerging evidence and translating it into practical guidance for clinicians and the public. Her work supported significant updates across the guidelines, including refinements to the “chain of survival,” new approaches for managing choking and opioid-related emergencies, and strengthened strategies for CPR education in both professional and community settings.
A nationally recognized leader in emergency medicine, health equity, and resuscitation education, Dr. Del Ríos has long focused on improving outcomes for patients experiencing cardiac arrest—particularly in underserved communities. Her involvement in the 2025 guidelines reflects years of dedication to research, system-level improvement, and advocacy for accessible, high-quality emergency care.
Dr. Del Ríos’s contributions were part of a broader Section of Emergency presence in the guideline development process. Colleagues Michael Kurz, MD, MS, who chaired the Adult Advanced Life Support Writing Committee, and Ameera Haamid, MD, also served as expert contributors. Together, their work highlights the University of Chicago’s ongoing commitment to advancing lifesaving science and ensuring that the latest evidence informs real-world clinical practice.
Through her leadership and scholarship, Dr. Marina Del Ríos helped shape a set of guidelines that will influence resuscitation care worldwide, reinforcing the AHA’s mission to improve survival and recovery for those impacted by cardiac arrest and other critical emergencies.