Basic life support cardiopulmonary resuscitation

CPR represents the primary intervention used during cardiac arrest for maintaining perfusion and extending the potential resuscitation period. Effective CPR, however, requires careful attention to detail by the resuscitation team, including (1) effective control of the airway using manual maneuvers or airway adjuncts, (2) delivery of effective ventilation that assures adequate oxygenation, while reducing the chance for gastric inflation, and (3) chest compressions delivered at the appropriate depth and rate using a duty cycle of 50% compression and 50% release. During the resuscitation effort team leaders should closely monitor the performance of CPR, rotate rescuers frequently to avoid fatigue, and provide continuous feedback based upon direct (transmitted pulse, chest rise) and indirect (end-tidal CO2) measures of effectiveness. A careful and measured approach to CPR performance, combined with a strong chain of survival, provides victims of cardiac arrest the best chance for survival.