Previous section | Next section

Definition

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure involving cardiac compressions and manual ventilation. The aim of CPR is to preserve cardiac output and maintain oxygenation of the brain in a person in cardiac arrest until further measures can be taken to restore spontaneous breathing and blood circulation (RCUK [232]). Resuscitation is the emergency treatment of any condition in which the brain fails to receive enough oxygen.
CPR guidelines in the UK are researched and implemented by the Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK [232]). These are based on the European Resuscitation Council's guidelines, which were last updated and republished in 2015 (ERC [73]).
Previous section | Next section