CPR is typically performed with the goal of restoring life and health to the patient. In
many cases, it may serve other functions, such as bringing a sense of closure to the
family by allowing them to be present during resuscitation attempts and bid farewell
to loved ones. And it may alleviate guilt for the survivors. But the potential risks of
resuscitative efforts must also be considered. These include extensive financial and
resource investments—at times to the detriment of other ED patients—resuscitation
to a suboptimal quality of life, further injury to the patient, physical disfigurement
and financial burdens to the surviving family.