CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, which is an emergency life-saving procedure that is done when someones breathing or heartbeat has stopped. It is a way to save the life of someone who’s in cardiac arrest by attempting to restart their heart. CPR combines rescue breathing and chest compressions. Rescue breathing provides oxygen to the persons lungs, while chest compressions keep oxygen-rich blood flowing until the heartbeat and breathing can be restored.
CPR is a critical step in the American Heart Association’s Chain of Survival, which provides a useful metaphor for the elements of the ECC systems concept. The 6 links in the adult out-of-hospital Chain of Survival are:
- Recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system (calling 9-1-1 in the US)
- Early CPR with an emphasis on chest compressions
- Rapid defibrillation
- Advanced resuscitation by Emergency Medical Services and other healthcare providers
- Post-cardiac arrest care
- Recovery (including additional treatment, observation, rehabilitation, and psychological support)
CPR techniques vary slightly depending on the age or size of the person, including different techniques for adults, children who have reached puberty, children 1 year old until the onset of puberty, and infants (babies less than 1 year of age) . High-quality CPR should be performed by anyone, including bystanders. There are five critical components:
- Minimize interruptions in chest compressions
- Provide compressions of adequate rate and depth
- Avoid leaning on the chest between compressions
- Give effective breaths
- Avoid excessive ventilation
CPR comes with risks because of how hard chest compressions have to be to keep blood circulating. It’s possible to break ribs and injure organs within the chest during CPR. It can take several months for mild issues with memory, learning, and concentration to resolve after CPR.
