When Is CPR Needed?

CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It consists of forceful downward thrusts upon the center of the chest, and sometimes rescue breathing or artificial respiration. CPR is used to sustain life until other medical treatments can be initiated.

Uses

• Traditionally, rescuers were advised to initiate CPR when the victim was unresponsive and had no breath sounds and/or no pulse. In June 2009, Gordon Ewy, MD, chief of cardiology at the University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center, recommended also starting CPR on victims whose breathing is labored or gasping.

Benefits

• CPR is not intended to restart the heart. Rescuers use it to keep enough blood and oxygen flowing to the victim's brain to sustain life until other medical interventions, like electric shock or medication, can be used to get the heart going again.

Misconceptions

• CPR is not always a lifesaver. Many people who receive it do not survive, especially if they are in frail condition or have an underlying medical condition such as cancer. One study reported by the American Medical Association showed that only 8.7 percent of people who received CPR survived to be discharged from the hospital.

When to Use Resuscitation

• Most people start resuscitation attempts after an adult makes a witnessed collapse, usually due to heart disease. CPR should also be used on people whose hearts have stopped due to accidents or injuries such as choking, drowning, strangulation or trauma to the head or chest.

Do Not Resuscitate

• Some patients with chronic or terminal illnesses have asked their doctors to sign a form making their code status DNR or Do Not Resuscitate. A rescuer should never initiate CPR if it has been determined that the victim has signed this form.