RESUMO
Sudden cardiac death is the most prevalent yet preventable clinical problem. It is estimated that about 300,000 to 400,000 deaths occur annually due to cardiovascular causes with 63% occurring due to sudden cardiac deaths. The most important determinant of survival among these patients is the prompt and effective delivery of basic life support at the site or by the first bystander. Although there has been a decline in overall cardiovascular morbidity and mortality but the incidence of sudden deaths from cardiovascular causes has remained constant. Currently the basic life support not only includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation but also defibrillation using automated external defibrillators. The latest guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation published in 2010 by the American Heart Association [AHA] have made substantial changes to the basic life support strategy. The conventional stepwise approach A-B-C has been changed to C-A-B. This mandates the decrease in time to deliver first compression. Look, listen and feel has been omitted to avoid unnecessary delay of the chest compressions. The pulse check parameter has also been diminished for healthcare providers. This review covers the management of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and scrutinizes current practices and data supporting the use of CPR