The History and Evolution of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is carried out as an emergency procedure to manually preserve brain function until further medical assistance can be provided. The history of CPR can be traced back several centuries, with significant developments occurring over time. The concept of restoring life to an unconscious or seemingly dead person can be found in ancient civilizations. The first recorded chest compression technique was described in 1740. In the early nineteenth century, the process of artificial respiration was developed. The combination of chest compressions and artificial respiration gained further recognition and refinement. In the 1960s, advancements in understanding the physiology behind cardiac arrest and the introduction of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation led to modern CPR techniques. In the 1970s and 1980s, there was a growing emphasis on teaching CPR to the general public. This led to the establishment of CPR training programs and the widespread distribution of instructional materials, such as CPR manikins and automated external defibrillators. CPR techniques and guidelines continue to evolve. This review of the history of CPR reflects a continuous effort to refine and improve resuscitation techniques for saving lives.