CPR + First Aid Certification Manual: CPR Introduction

WHAT CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR) MEANS

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique of providing compressions and ventilations to a victim of cardiac arrest. Conventional CPR involves both chest compressions and rescue breaths, and is associated with increased survival and favorable neurologic outcomes.

HOW CHEST COMPRESSIONS & VENTILATIONS WORK

CPR works by rescuers providing chest compressions and ventilations to maximize blood and oxygen saturation to vital organs in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Continuous chest compressions are crucial in maximizing blood flow and oxygen saturation during CPR. If CPR is administered within the first 3-5 minutes, it significantly increases survivability after a SCA by providing crucial blood flow and oxygen to the heart and brain. Compression-only CPR (COCPR) is an effective alternative for lay rescuers in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest situations.

WHY CPR MATTERS IN CARDIAC ARREST

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), “About 610,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every year–that’s 1 in every 4 deaths. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women.” Unfortunately, this statistic includes children and infants. Immediate CPR is critical in increasing the chances of survival after cardiac arrest. Activating the emergency response system is a vital component in managing cardiac arrest situations.