History of cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique that is used in emergencies when someone's heartbeat or breathing has stopped. The history of CPR dates back to the 18th century, with significant advancements occurring over the centuries that have improved its effectiveness and broadened its application. This article explores the development and evolution of CPR, highlighting key milestones and the contributions of various individuals and organizations.

Origins and Early History

The concept of resuscitation has ancient roots, but the modern history of CPR began in the 18th century. In 1740, the Paris Academy of Sciences officially recommended mouth-to-mouth resuscitation for drowning victims. Subsequently, in 1767, the Society for the Recovery of Drowned Persons was established in Amsterdam, becoming the first organized effort to deal with sudden death.

19th Century Developments

Throughout the 19th century, various methods of resuscitation were explored. In 1858, Dr. Henry Silvester described a method of artificial ventilation, where the patient was laid on their back, and their arms were raised above their head to aid inhalation and then pressed against their chest to aid exhalation. This method, known as the Silvester Method, was widely used until the early 20th century.

The 20th Century and the Birth of Modern CPR

The most significant advancements in the history of CPR occurred in the 20th century. In 1903, Dr. George Crile successfully used external chest compressions to resuscitate a human. However, it wasn't until the 1950s that CPR as we know it began to take shape. In 1954, Dr. James Elam proved that expired air was sufficient to maintain adequate oxygenation. Then, in 1956, Dr. Peter Safar and Dr. James Elam invented mouth-to-mouth resuscitation as it is practiced today.

The combination of chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation was first introduced by Dr. Peter Safar in 1960. This method was quickly adopted and became the standard for CPR. The American Heart Association (AHA) began to include CPR instruction in its programs in 1963, further promoting its use.

CPR Training and Public Awareness

In the 1970s, CPR training became more widespread, with the AHA introducing the first mass training event for CPR in 1972. The development of the CPR manikin "Resusci Anne" in 1960 by Asmund Laerdal, a Norwegian toy maker, significantly facilitated CPR training by allowing learners to practice the technique on a life-like model.

The late 20th and early 21st centuries have seen continued efforts to improve CPR techniques and increase public awareness. Initiatives such as the AHA's "Hands-Only CPR" campaign have simplified CPR for untrained bystanders, emphasizing the importance of chest compressions over rescue breaths.

Recent Developments

Recent advancements in CPR include the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), which can be used by laypeople to provide an electric shock to the heart in cases of cardiac arrest. The integration of AEDs with CPR has been shown to significantly improve survival rates.

Conclusion

The history of cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a testament to the ongoing efforts to save lives in emergency situations. From its early beginnings to the development of modern CPR techniques and training, the evolution of CPR reflects advancements in medical knowledge and the importance of public health education.