critical care medicine
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in Adults
Introduction
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an organized, sequential response to Cardiac Arrest , including Recognition of absent breathing and circulation Basic life support with chest compressions and rescue breathing Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) with definitive airway and rhythm control Postresuscitative care (See also Neonatal Resuscitation and Prompt initiation of chest compressions and early defibrillation (when indicated) are the keys to success. Speed, efficiency, and proper application of CPR with the fewest possible interruptions determine successful outcome; the rare exception is profound hypothermia caused by cold water immersion, when successful resuscitation may be accomplished even after prolonged arrest (up to 60 minutes). 