It is important to understand the basic principles of CPR. Effective high quality compressions delivered by a person is the utmost important factor in return of spontaneous circulation.

Cardiac arrest is the loss of organized cardiac activity. Unfortunately, survival to hospital discharge is poor, despite recent scientific advances. The goals of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are to restore circulation and identify and correct an underlying etiology. High-quality compressions remain the foundation of CPR, optimizing coronary and cerebral perfusion pressure. High-quality compressions must be performed at the appropriate rate and depth. Interruptions in compressions are detrimental to management. Mechanical compression devices are not associated with improved outcomes but can assist in several situations.

Long B, Gottlieb M. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: The Importance of the Basics. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2023 Aug;41(3):509-528. doi: 10.1016/j.emc.2023.03.005. Epub 2023 Apr 14. PMID: 37391247.