Does CPR Work?
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is meant to keep a sufficient blood flow to the brain of a person who has suffered a cardiac arrest. According to the American Heart Association, nearly a half million people die each year from sudden cardiac arrest. CPR is intended to save some of these lives.
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What is CPR
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CPR is a series of chest compressions that are intended to simulate the human heartbeat. When combined with rescue breathing, its intent is to keep blood--and, thus, oxygen--supplied to the victim's brain.
Will CPR Restart A Heart
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CPR will not restart a heart that is in cardiac arrest. CPR is intended as an emergency procedure until a defibrillator can be used. It will take an electric shock, such as that provided by a defibrillator, to restart the heart.
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How Long Does The Patient Have
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Each individual victim is different, but on average the victim will begin to suffer irreversible brain damage four to six minutes after the cardiac arrest takes place if no CPR is administered and no defibrillator is available.
Will CPR Really Help
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According to the American Heart Association, for every minute a cardiac arrest victim does not receive CPR, his chances of survival drop 7 to 10 percent. It is estimated that effective CPR from a trained provider can double a victim's chances of surviving a cardiac arrest.
Is Death Inevitable
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If the victim of cardiac arrest does not receive any CPR or defibrillator within minutes of the onset of the condition, the chances of survival are very slim. However, death from cardiac arrest is not inevitable if a person trained in CPR provides immediate assistance.
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