CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is an emergency procedure which is performed in an effort to intact brain function manually of the victim until further measures are taken in order to restore spontaneous blood circulation and breathing.
According to a statistical study, about 70%-80% of the cardiac arrest cases occur either in the home or at public places. The nearest person to the victim in such cases is often a bystander with no medical expertise. However, if those who are present at the scene are able to provide CPR to the victim promptly, the chances of his/her survival are considerably increased.
When treating a cardiac arrest victim, time is the essence. A person can lose consciousness within 15 seconds once the heart stops beating and blood flow stops. Within another 30 to 60 seconds, the person will stop breathing and an irreversible damage to his brain cells will follow after few minutes of oxygen deprivation. This signifies the importance of CPR classes, where students are taught how to perform resuscitation for patients who are victims of sudden cardiac arrest as well as those who are unresponsive, in respiratory attack, or choking.
