Therapy
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
CPR is an emergency procedure of chest compressions and rescue breaths to keep blood and oxygen moving when someone’s heart has stopped.
Quick answer
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: what it is, why it's done and what happens
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) combines firm, regular chest compressions with rescue breaths to keep oxygenated blood circulating to the brain and vital organs when the heart and breathing have stopped (cardiac arrest).
- Why it is done: It is used in cardiac arrest to buy time until the heart can be restarted, for example with a defibrillator, and to prevent brain and organ damage from lack of oxygen.
- What happens: The rescuer pushes hard and fast in the centre of the chest, giving compressions and, if trained, rescue breaths, until help arrives.
What it is
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) combines firm, regular chest compressions with rescue breaths to keep oxygenated blood circulating to the brain and vital organs when the heart and breathing have stopped (cardiac arrest).
Why it is done
It is used in cardiac arrest to buy time until the heart can be restarted, for example with a defibrillator, and to prevent brain and organ damage from lack of oxygen. Early CPR greatly improves survival.
What happens
The rescuer pushes hard and fast in the centre of the chest, giving compressions and, if trained, rescue breaths, until help arrives. A defibrillator may be used to shock certain rhythms. In hospital, a specialist team leads the effort.
Recovery
If the heart restarts, care continues in hospital, often in intensive care, to treat the cause and support recovery. Outcomes depend on how quickly CPR and defibrillation were started and the underlying cause.
Good to know
Risks and things to consider
Effective CPR can crack ribs, but this is accepted because it is life-saving. CPR does not always succeed, and its appropriateness may be discussed in advance for people with serious illness (a resuscitation decision).
Education and reference only. This explains the procedure in general terms and is not medical advice. Your own care, risks and recovery will be explained by the team looking after you.
Answers
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: frequently asked questions
Should I do CPR even if I’m not fully trained?
Yes. If someone collapses and is not breathing normally, calling emergency services and starting hands-only chest compressions can save a life. Doing something is far better than doing nothing.
What is a “do not resuscitate” decision?
It is a decision, made with the person or their family and healthcare team, that CPR would not be attempted if their heart stopped, usually because it would not work or would not be in their best interests. It does not affect other care.
Related
Other therapy
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Tests and treatments
- NICE — procedure and treatment guidance
- Relevant Royal College / professional body
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