| cardiopulmonary resuscitation | <procedure> A life saving procedure that includes the timed external compression of the anterior chest wall (to stimulate blood flow) by pumping the heart, and alternating with mouth to mouth breathing to provide oxygen. Usually administered by one rescuer as 15 chest compressions to every 2 mouth-to-mouth breaths. In the case of an early heart attack, death can often be avoided if a bystander starts CPR promptly (within 5 minutes of the onset of ventricular fibrillation). When paramedics arrive, medications and/or electrical shock (cardioversion) to the heart can be administered to convert ventricular fibrillation to a normal heart rhythm. Therefore, prompt CPR and rapid paramedic respronse can improve the survival chances from a heart attack. Acronym: CPR (20 Jun 2000) |
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| resuscitation | <procedure> The restoration to life or consciousness of one apparently dead, it includes such measures as artificial respiration and cardiac massage. Origin: L. Resuscitare = to revive (18 Nov 1997) |
| resuscitation orders | Instructions issued by a physician pertaining to the institution, continuation, or withdrawal of life support measures. The concept includes policies, laws, statutes, decisions, guidelines, and discussions that may affect the issuance of such orders. (12 Dec 1998) |
| mouth-to-mouth resuscitation | Mouth-to-mouth respiration employed as part of emergency cardiopulmonary resuscitation. (05 Mar 2000) |