Cardiocerebral resuscitation (CCR) is the most important advance in the immediate care of patients in cardiac arrest since cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was first described.
Critics of traditional CPR say the emphasis on early ventilation is incorrect. Airway interventions take time from adequate chest compressions. These interventions also produce an increase in pressure in the chest. This increased pressure decreases blood return to the heart. The result is less cardiac output in those already in cardiac arrest.
CCR emphasizes continuous chest compressions with no early ventilations. A recent study comparing CCR with standard CPR demonstrated both survival, and percentage of survivors with good neurological outcome, were significantly better in those receiving CCR.
Read the complete article at Medscape August 20, 2009