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CPR

CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is pushing down on a person's chest and breathing into his or her mouth. It is used in emergencies when a person'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 a person alive until a health professional arrives.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Steven L. Schneider, MD - Family Medicine
Last Revised April 28, 2010

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: April 28, 2010
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