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CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

Lifeline

What is CPR?
CPR is an abbreviation for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, a series of maneuvers to bring back to life a person whose heart has stopped beating. It is a combination of closed cardiac massage and mouth–to–mouth artificial respiration.

What is cardiac arrest?
Heart stoppage.

Can a patient ever be saved once the heart has stopped beating?
Yes. Although the majority of people whose heart has stopped beating do die, it is possible to save a considerable number of them if prompt CPR is instituted.

How soon after cardiac arrest must CPR be started?
It must be begun immediately. Unless CPR is instituted within a few minutes, the patient will succumb.

How can a first–aider know that CPR should be carried out?

He notes an unconscious patient.
He feels for a pulse in the neck and does not find it.
He listens with his ear over the heart and hears no beat.
He looks for respirations and finds none.

Is CPR indicated when there is a heartbeat but no obvious breathing?
No. In such cases only mouth–to–mouth artificial respiration is indicated.

Does the heart ever stop beating and respirations continue?
No. Once the heart stops, breathing stops.

Can anyone carry out CPR?
Yes, but it is much better if a trained person does it. Civilians are being trained all over the country in the techniques of this life saving procedure.

What is closed cardiac massage?
The pumping of blood throughout the body by intermittent thrusts upon the breastbone (sternum) overlying the heart. By pushing down every second against the breastbone, it is possible to expel blood from the heart so that it will circulate throughout the body. Closed cardiac massage is an essential part of CPR.

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