Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Key points
- CPR is an emergency lifesaving procedure that is performed when a person's own breathing or heartbeat have stopped, such as in cases of electric shock or drowning.
- CPR is a combination of rescue breathing, which provides oxygen to the victim's lungs, and chest compressions, which keep oxygenated blood circulating until an effective heartbeat and breathing can be restored.
- Permanent brain damage or death can occur within minutes if blood flow ceases.
- Therefore, it is critical that blood flow and breathing be continued until trained medical help arrives.
Alternative names
CPR
Definition
CPR is an emergency lifesaving procedure that is performed when a person's own breathing or heartbeat have stopped, such as in cases of electric shock or drowning. CPR is a combination of rescue breathing, which provides oxygen to the victim's lungs, and chest compressions, which keep oxygenated blood circulating until an effective heartbeat and breathing can be restored.
Permanent brain damage or death can occur within minutes if blood flow ceases. Therefore, it is critical that blood flow and breathing be continued until trained medical help arrives.
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
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