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In the quiet of a Baltimore hospital in 1960, a revolutionary idea was born. Dr. James Jude, a thoracic surgeon, stood beside a patient whose heart had stopped. Rather than reaching for paddles or syringes, he and his colleagues began rhythmic chest compressions—a motion now familiar to millions. That moment marked the birth of modern CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation).
More than six decades later, CPR has become a cornerstone of emergency medicine, required learning in schools, and a lifesaving skill for civilians across the U.S. and Canada. But CPR didn’t emerge fully formed. It evolved through a series of scientific discoveries, battlefield innovations, and public health campaigns. As we look to the future, that evolution continues—shaped by AI, virtual training, and community activism.
The concept of using manual pressure to simulate heartbeat dates back to the 1700s, but it wasn’t until the mid-20th century that CPR as we know it took shape. The American Heart Association (AHA) formally endorsed CPR in 1963, and by the 1970s, it had entered mainstream healthcare training.
“Those early years were filled with trial and error,” recalls Dr. Janet Holloway, Medical Officer for EMS policy development in Raleigh, North Carolina. “But they were also incredibly innovative. We learned that chest compressions alone could maintain circulation until defibrillation could occur.”
In Canada, CPR gained traction in the 1970s through Red Cross initiatives and military field training. The Heart and Stroke Foundation played a crucial role in standardizing protocols and disseminating education nationwide.
A glance at the data shows just how impactful CPR has been:
|
Year |
Estimated U.S. Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Survival Rate |
|
1980 |
~2% |
|
2000 |
~5% |
|
2020 |
~10% |
In Canada, survival rates have climbed from under 3% in the early 1980s to nearly 13% in metropolitan areas today, thanks in part to faster EMS response times and greater bystander intervention.
“Public education campaigns have moved the needle,” says Dr. Nathan Ng, Emergency Medicine Director at Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto. “The more people trained, the more lives we can save.”
CPR today is simpler, faster, and more accessible. The AHA now recommends hands-only CPR for untrained bystanders: just chest compressions, no mouth-to-mouth.
AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) are found in airports, malls, and schools across North America. Smartphone apps like PulsePoint notify nearby CPR-trained individuals when an emergency occurs.
“The barriers to action are falling,” notes Dr. Lisa Romero, public health educator and CPR advocate in Seattle, Washington. “We’re giving people tools to act instantly. That’s a massive leap from the old days.”
The future of CPR is being shaped by technology and neuroscience. Some trends to watch include:
Incorporating these tools is key, especially in underserved or remote communities.
“Rural populations often lack immediate access to medical help,” explains Dr. Elijah Burns, Research Lead at the University of British Columbia. “Technological advances could be the equalizer we need.”
Beyond the science, CPR’s future lies in community engagement. Programs like “CPR in Schools” in the U.S. and Canada’s “Restart a Heart” campaign aim to normalize CPR education from a young age.
In 2019, Ontario made CPR and AED training mandatory for high school graduation. As of 2024, 39 U.S. states have implemented similar policies.
“The more CPR-trained youth we have, the safer our society becomes,” says Dr. Karen White, pediatric emergency specialist in Minneapolis, Minnesota. “Every teenager trained is a potential life-saver.”
The journey of CPR—from experimental technique to public health cornerstone—is a testament to what science, policy, and community can achieve together. With each technological advancement and every person trained, the survival odds improve.
CPR has evolved, and it will continue to do so. But its mission remains unchanged: to give life a second chance. Whether you’re a student in Vancouver or a retiree in Miami, learning CPR means joining a legacy of lifesaving action.
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Denise is a registered nurse having 18 years of vast experience in multiple specialties of adult health nursing. Owner of Dawkins InHouse CPR & Professional Services, Denise is chasing a global dream and joining forces with others who are passionate about saving lives by raising the awareness of sudden cardiac arrest through educating, empowering, and inspiring others one compression at a time.
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Having the mindset to save lives is knowing what to do, when you need to do it, and confidently acting upon it. Everything you need to perform these five basic life saving skills you were born with. Your brain, your hands, and your quick actions. In an emergency, recognizing there is a need and executing the skill is the difference between life and death!
1.CPR
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) saves lives! Whatever the CAUSE, the heart is no longer pumping blood to the brain and throughout the body. Where blood flows oxygen goes. Chest compressions allow the blood to circulate again. There is only ONE outcome when cardiac arrest happens if CPR is NOT performed and that is DEATH. Fast action is required because chances of survival decreases 7-10% for every minute CPR is not started. Within two minutes of the heart stopping brain damage can develop rapidly and brain death start to occur 4 to 6 minutes if no CPR and defibrillation has been initiated.
2. HEIMLICH MANEUVER
When an individual airway is obstructed (choking) air can not pass through the throat or windpipe into the lungs cutting off oxygen to the brain. Obstruction can be caused from food or any foreign body large enough to occlude the passage. Adults are usually occluded by food. Children often swallow small objects that cause the occlusion. The Heimlich Maneuver is performed to clear the passage way. Upward thrust applies pressure on the diaphragm which then compresses the chest cavity, forcing air out the lungs through the windpipe dislodging the object. You may need to perform abdominal thrust (Heimlich Maneuver) on yourself if no one is around to help.
This skill has proven to provide extremely high success rate amongst children and adult. In unsuccessful cases an individual will become unconscious. You will then need to use the skills you have learned in CPR.
3. USE OF AN AED
Automatic External Defibrillator is a portable electronic device that automatically recognizes the life-threatening heart arrhythmia of ventricular fibrillation. Once properly placed the AED can provide life-saving intervention if an individual is experiencing cardiac arrest due to this lethal rhythm, by shocking the heart (defibrillation). Remember with sudden cardiac arrest the heart does not pump blood. This lethal rhythm or arrhythmia instead causes the heart to quiver. The shock is administered to eliminate the arrhythmia and hopefully restore a regular heart beat.
The use of an AED combined with chest compression provides a greater chance of survival. Whenever a defibrillator is present use it first by following the prompts. Obtaining the proper training will guide you through the steps so you may help save a life.
4. RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF HEART ATTACK
Cardiovascular diseases (heart diseases) are the leading cause of death GLOBALLY. Cardiovascular diseases are disorders of the heart and blood vessels and include coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, and rheumatic heart disease. A VAST majority die from a heart attack or a stroke. Heart attack (acute myocardial infarction), occurs when the artery that supplies the heart muscle is buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances over time. This build up (plaque) thickens and stiffens the wall of the artery causing a severe decrease in blood flow (blockage), or is cut off completely. Scar tissue begins to replace healthy heart tissue. Not all heart attacks involve chest pain, even if discomfort is present. Knowing what to look for can reduce the risk.
5. RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF A STROKE
Stroke (cerebrovascular accident), occurs when blood vessels which carries oxygenated blood to the brain is blocked. Remember where blood flows oxygen goes. Brain cells begin to die within a few minutes due to the blockage, this is a medical emergency. Stroke can occur at any age but risk increases as you get older. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and stroke so that timely treatment can be initiated to help save a life.
In conclusion, take action and learn these basic life saving skills. The life you save may be that of your loved one.
Vlad Magdalin
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