How effective is CPR?

The new CPR procedure was developed to simplify the process and eliminate the "yuck factor" that potential rescuers could associate with putting their mouths on an unconscious victim. Studies showed that the modified procedure was as effective as chest compressions combined with artificial respiration. read more

Cardiac arrest – an electrical malfunction in the heart that causes an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) and disrupts the flow of blood to the brain, lungs and other organs – is a leading cause of death. read more

Bardy questions whether Weisfeldt’s negative home-AED findings were related to a lack of effectiveness of AEDs or more related to a lack of effectiveness of CPR. Bardy wrote, “As an alternative to a home AED, the increased use of CPR does not make sense to me. At best, CPR represents a placeholder. read more

For in hospital CPR, with lots of experienced and highly trained knowledgeable people present, the results are largely dictated by the pre-existing condition the patient is in. read more