What is CPR?
What is CPR?
CPR – or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation – is an emergency lifesaving procedure performed when the heart stops beating. Immediate CPR can double or triple chances of survival after cardiac arrest.
Learn more about the AHA's vision of a world where no one dies of cardiac arrest.
Why Is CPR Important?
Keeping the blood flow active – even partially – extends the opportunity for a successful resuscitation once trained medical staff arrive on site.
Chain of Survival
CPR is a critical step in the AHA’s Chain of Survival. The term Chain of Survival provides a useful metaphor for the elements of the ECC systems concept.
The 5 links in the adult out-of-hospital Chain of Survival are:
Recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system (calling 9-1-1 in the US)
Early CPR with an emphasis on chest compressions
Rapid defibrillation
Basic and advanced emergency medical services
Advanced life support and post-cardiac arrest care