It must be emphasised that the published International Guidelines 2000 contain an in-depth presentation of the scientific evidence behind advanced life support. The exact interpretation of this evidence, and the algorithms adopted by a national resuscitation council will depend upon various factors such as local interpretation of the evidence, local practice and availability of drugs. The ERC is publishing its own summaries of the guideline changes and the sequences of action for both BLS and ALS and these papers are recommended for further reading.