History of CPR: Saving Lives Through the Ages

Date Published: June 10, 2024

Uncover the story of CPR, tracing its roots back through history as we highlight key milestones that have shaped this vital technique into what it is today.

The first attempts at cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) date back to the second century, when Greek physician Galen recorded his failed attempts to inflate a dead animal’s lungs with a bellows—a device that delivers a strong blast of air.

There was little or no progress in resuscitation until the eighteenth century, when death by drowning became a primary public concern. At that time, interest in resuscitation was renewed, and significant advances were made.

Regardless of the various methods—from using bellows to applying pressure to the abdomen, warming the victim’s body, stimulating the body internally via rectal fumigation with tobacco smoke, and bloodletting to administering the breaths and chest compressions we recognize today—the purpose has remained the same: maintain blood circulation to deliver oxygen and sustain life.

Modern CPR

The development of modern CPR is a fascinating journey, with a key milestone in 1960. This was when William Bennet Kouwenhoven, also known as the 'Father of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation,' published his groundbreaking paper, introducing the breaths and chest compression CPR we recognize today.

Kouwenhoven's chance discovery of external cardiac compression was made while investigating the heart defibrillation technique. Heavy paddles had been placed on the chest of a dog in cardiac arrest, and the weight of these heavy paddles increased the animal's blood pressure. It was then discovered that rhythmic pressure on the animal's sternum could maintain adequate circulation to the brain. Relaxation of this pressure allowed the heart to fill again.

This effect of heart compression between the sternum and the spine was confirmed in over a hundred dogs. It also emerged an irregular heartbeat for up to thirty minutes could be restored if external cardiac compression had been maintained during this time. From his discovery, Kouwenhoven famously said, “Anyone can initiate cardiac resuscitation procedures anywhere. All that is needed are two hands.”

How Does CPR Work?

CPR combines rescue breathing (mouth-to-mouth) and chest compressions to maintain blood circulation and deliver oxygen to the body until advanced medical treatment is available.

Administering CPR is a powerful act that can save lives. Without it, it only takes a few minutes for brain injury to occur due to a lack of oxygen. By learning CPR, you gain the ability to be a lifesaver in critical situations.

CPR Education: How to Get Started

CPR education is constantly evolving, and so are the training, techniques, and tools (e.g., SMART Manikin). The opportunity to become CPR certified is now more accessible than ever before. You can embark on this life-saving journey with options to learn in-person or online, making it convenient for everyone.

Knowing basic emergency first aid and CPR is necessary to help save lives. Although there is no guarantee that someone will survive after receiving CPR, it does provide them with a chance when otherwise there would have been none.

From the eighteenth century to today, CPR has transformed ordinary people and medical personnel into critical contributors in cardiac emergencies. The ongoing development of innovative CPR techniques and technology ensures that the future of CPR is bright, promising even more effective life-saving methods.

If you want to become CPR certified, the Red Cross has several options available!