The History of CPR: From 16th Century to Today

The history of Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is marked by the combination of ancient and modern techniques, as well as abandoned methods. From primitive treatments that used stinging nettles to modern-day CPR, the development of resuscitation has been shaped by a range of discoveries and ideas. In this article, we’ll explore some of the highlights of CPR’s history, starting from the first recorded instance of the Bellows Method in the 16th century to the emergence of Hands-Only CPR in the 21st century.

A Brief History of CPR

The Bellows Method was first used by Swiss physician Paracelsus in the 16th century. However, the first clinical description of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation in medical literature wasn't documented until 1732. Scottish surgeon William Tossach used mouth-to-mouth breaths to revive a coal-pit miner who had suffocated, according to the American Heart Association. In the 18th century, the Academie des Sciences in Paris officially recommended mouth-to-mouth resuscitation for reviving victims of drowning.

London physicians William Hawes and Thomas Cogan founded The Society for the Recovery of Persons Apparently Drowned (later The Royal Humane Society) in 1774 to assist victims of sudden and unexpected death. In 1874, German physiologist Moritz Schiff’s research on animals in Florence, Italy, revealed that massaging the heart during surgery could restore circulation. In Germany in 1878, Rudolph Boehm showed that external compressions of the heart provided adequate circulation in cats.

The Hall Method became the most commonly used form of artificial respiration until the early 20th century. London physician Marshall Hall introduced his simple resuscitation technique in 1856. His approach involved repositioning the patient from face up to side and adding pressure on the thorax. In 1858, Henry Silvester created the chest-pressure arm-lift method: raising the patient’s arms up to expand the chest, then crossing the arms over the chest to apply expiratory pressure.

After using external compressions to restart the hearts of two young human patients, German surgeon Dr. Friedrich Maass became the first to advocate chest compressions, rather than ventilation alone, to help with circulation in 1891. However, open-heart massage was the standard for the next half-century. Dr. George Crile’s research confirmed that external chest compressions restored circulation in dogs in 1903, while in 1904, Dr. Crile reported successful closed-chest cardiac massage in one human case. Nonetheless, the noninvasive technique didn't gain traction.

In 1924, six cardiologists met in Chicago and formed the American Heart Association (AHA) as a professional society for physicians. Nearly a century later, the AHA remains the world leader in CPR and emergency cardiovascular care (ECC) training and education. In 1933, researchers at Johns Hopkins University accidentally rediscovered external compressions when they found that pressure on a dog’s sternum provided adequate circulation to the brain to keep the animal alive until defibrillation could restart its heart. Their results were confirmed in more than 100 dogs.

The 1950s saw the AHA begin publishing Circulation, a scientific journal that informs doctors, researchers, and others about cardiovascular breakthroughs. In 1954, American physician and respiratory researcher Dr. James Elam became the first person to prove that expired air is sufficient to maintain adequate oxygenation. Two years later, in 1956, Dr. Elam and Dr. Peter Safar proved that mouth-to-mouth resuscitation was an effective lifesaving method. Drs. Elam, Safar, and Archer Gordon played leading roles in promoting rescue breathing to professional healthcare providers and the public alike.

In conclusion, the history of resuscitation and CPR is a testament to human ingenuity and the tireless pursuit of saving lives. From the primitive Bellows Method used by Swiss physician Paracelsus in the 16th century to the modern-day use of drones delivering automated external defibrillators, the evolution of CPR has been marked by profound "aha" moments alongside decades of abandoned lifesaving methods. Throughout the centuries, numerous medical professionals and researchers have made groundbreaking discoveries that have contributed to the development of CPR as we know it today. The work of these individuals has helped to improve the chances of survival for millions of people around the world. As we continue to advance in medical technology and training, it is crucial to remember the importance of CPR and to make sure that everyone has access to the knowledge and tools necessary to perform this life-saving technique.

CPR Today

Today, CPR is a widely known and practiced technique to save the life of a victim suffering from Sudden Cardiac Arrest. CPR can be performed by medical professionals, emergency medical service personnel, and even community members (also called lay-responders or bystanders). There are many ways you can learn CPR, including practicing at home, however it is best to learn this lifesaving technique from a professional. Professional institutions that provide CPR training include the American Heart Association, the gold-standard, as well as the American Red Cross, and more. The American Heart Association offers an easy tool to Find a Course Near You.

Learning CPR is an essential skill that can save lives in emergency situations. CPR manikins are a crucial tool in practicing and mastering the correct techniques for performing CPR. At WorldPoint, you can find a wide variety of AHA compliant CPR manikins that are designed to provide realistic training and feedback. Whether you're a healthcare professional, a student, or a concerned citizen, having access to a high-quality CPR manikin is essential for gaining confidence and competence in performing CPR. Don't wait until it's too late, shop at WorldPoint today and take the first step towards becoming a skilled CPR responder.

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Source: History of CPR | American Heart Association CPR & First Aid

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