Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a life-saving technique commonly known as CPR. The word "cardiopulmonary" is pronounced /kɑrdiəʊˈpʌlmənəri/, with the emphasis on the third syllable. It is derived from the Latin words "cardio" meaning heart and "pulmonis" meaning lung. "Resuscitation" is pronounced /rɪˌsʌsɪˈteɪʃən/, with the emphasis on the third syllable, and is derived from the Latin word "resuscitare" meaning to revive. This complex term describes the process of restoring a person's heart and lung function in order to save their life.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a medical technique used to revive a person who has experienced sudden cardiac arrest. It is a crucial emergency procedure performed to maintain blood circulation and deliver oxygen to vital organs when the heart stops beating and the person is not breathing properly.
The term "cardiopulmonary" refers to the heart (cardio) and the lungs (pulmonary), emphasizing the vital connection between these two systems. CPR involves a combination of chest compressions, artificial breathing methods such as mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or utilizing a pocket mask, and sometimes the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).
By initiating CPR immediately after cardiac arrest, it aims to preserve brain function and increase the chances of survival until more advanced medical help arrives. The objective of chest compressions is to maintain blood flow manually, mimicking the natural pumping action of the heart. This helps circulate oxygen-rich blood to the brain, heart, and other organs.
CPR is typically performed by trained individuals, such as healthcare professionals, emergency responders, or even bystanders who witness the cardiac arrest. Through a combination of chest compressions and artificial breathing, CPR can sustain the body's oxygen supply until professional medical care can be provided.
Overall, cardiopulmonary resuscitation serves as a critical life-saving technique to improve the chances of survival in cases of sudden cardiac arrest, providing a temporary means of maintaining blood circulation and preserving brain function until decisive medical intervention can be administered.
The word "cardiopulmonary resuscitation" can be broken down into three parts:
1. Cardi-: It comes from the Greek word "kardia" meaning "heart". This root is also seen in other medical terms related to the heart, such as "cardiology".
2. Pulmonary: It is derived from the Latin word "pulmo", which means "lung" or "of the lungs". This root is commonly used in medical terms to denote anything related to the lungs.
3. Resuscitation: It is derived from the Latin word "resuscitare", which means "to revive" or "to bring back to life". This term is often used in medical contexts to refer to the act of reviving a person who is unconscious or experiencing cardiac arrest.