ABSTRACT
DEFINITION / OVERVIEW CPR is a set of procedures and pharmacological interventions designed to increase oxygen delivery to the heart and the brain during cardiac arrest (9). The ultimate goal of CPR is to restore spontaneous, effective cardiac and respiratory efforts. CPA (cardiopulmonary arrest) is present when there is a sudden and unexpected cessation of heart function and/or when cardiac pumping failure results in loss of consciousness and eventual respiratory arrest. Respiratory arrest develops when ventilatory failure leads to a loss of consciousness that, unless corrected, rapidly leads to combined CPA.
