I N T R O D U C T I O N
Current CPR guidelines combine closed-chest cardiac compression
with assisted ventilation, either by rescue breathing
or by bag-valve-mask. Assisted ventilation supports
pulmonary gas exchange, whereas closed-chest compression
generates sufficient ventricular pressure to move ventilated
blood through the circulatory system. CPR is recommended
to maintain a minimal flow of oxygenated blood
to the heart and brain in the interval between ventricular
fibrillation and successful defibrillation.1