Definition and purpose of CPR

Summary

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure used when a person is in cardiac or respiratory arrest. It involves chest compressions, often combined with artificial ventilation, to preserve brain function and maintain circulation until spontaneous breathing and a viable heartbeat can be restored. CPR is recommended for unresponsive people who are not breathing or who have abnormal breathing such as agonal respirations. The purpose of CPR is to delay tissue death by restoring partial flow of oxygenated blood to the brain and heart. Effective CPR generates enough circulation to keep vital organs alive and to extend the short window in which further interventions—especially defibrillation—may succeed. CPR alone is unlikely to restart the heart, but it can help maintain perfusion and may induce a rhythm that is treatable with an electric shock (defibrillation).

Key Points

• 1

  CPR is used during cardiac or respiratory arrest to preserve brain function and maintain circulation until normal breathing and heartbeat return.

• 2

  The main purpose of CPR is to delay tissue death by restoring partial oxygenated blood flow to the brain and heart.

• 3

  CPR is continued until return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) or the person is declared dead; defibrillation is usually needed to restore a viable heart rhythm.

• 4

  CPR effectiveness depends on performing high-quality compressions (adequate depth and rate) and minimizing interruptions.