CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is an emergency life-saving procedure that is done when someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped. This may happen after a medical emergency, such as an electric shock, heart attack, or drowning.
CPR combines rescue breathing and chest compressions.
- Rescue breathing provides oxygen to the person's lungs.
- Chest compressions keep oxygen-rich blood flowing until the heartbeat and breathing can be restored.
Permanent brain damage or death can occur in as little as 4 minutes if blood flow stops. Therefore, it is very important that blood flow and breathing be continued until trained medical help arrives. Emergency operators at 911 or the local emergency number can guide you through the process.
CPR techniques vary slightly depending on the age or size of the person, including different techniques for adults and children who have reached puberty, children 1 year old until the onset of puberty, and infants (babies less than 1 year of age).
Alternative Names
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
References
American Heart Association website. Highlights of the 2025 American Heart Association Guidelines for CPR and ECC. cpr.heart.org/-/media/CPR-Files/2025-documents-for-cpr-heart-edits-posting/Resuscitation-Science/252500_Hghlghts_2025ECCGuidelines.pdf?sc_lang=en. Accessed February 10, 2026.
Cao D, Arens AM, Chow SL, et al. Part 10: Adult and pediatric special circumstances of resuscitation: 2025 American Heart Association guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care. Circulation. 2025;152(16_suppl_2):S578-S672. PMID: 41122889 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41122889/.
Joyner BL Jr, Dewan M, Bavare A, et al, eds. Part 6: Pediatric basic life support: 2025 American Heart Association and American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care. Circulation. 2025 Oct 21;152(16_suppl_2):S424-S447.. PMID: 41122891 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41122891/.
Kleinman ME, Buick JE, Huber N, et al. Part 7: Adult basic life support: 2025 American Heart Association guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care. Circulation. 2025;152(16_suppl_2):S448-S478. PMID: 41122888 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41122888/.
Review Date 2/10/2026
Updated by: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.