Definition of Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation: The emergency substitution of heart and
lung action to restore life to someone who appears dead. The two main components
of conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are chest compression to
make the heart pump and mouth-to-mouth ventilation to breath for the victim.
Hands-only CPR is a form of resuscitation that involves continuous, rapid chest
compressions only, and although effective, it is not as beneficial as
conventional CPR in a patient who is not breathing.
In the event of an early heart attack, death can often be avoided if a
bystander calls emergency services (911) and starts CPR promptly. Hands-only CPR
was approved by the American Heart Association in April 2008 as a measure to
allow untrained or fearful bystanders to be able to initiate help in the event
of a cardiac arrest. If others are present, one person should attempt to locate
an automated external defibrillator (AED) while another administers CPR.
Last Editorial Review: 4/7/2008
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