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CPR

CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) or rescue breathing is breathing into a person's mouth and pushing down on his or her chest. It is used in emergencies when someone's heart stops beating, or when he or she stops breathing.

CPR works to move blood to the person's brain to help prevent brain damage. CPR can help keep someone alive until a health professional arrives.

Author Katy E. Magee, MA
Author Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer Patrice Burgess, MD
- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Martin Gabica, MD
- Family Medicine
Last Updated May 19, 2006

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 19, 2006
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