What is CPR?
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a combination of rescue breathing and chest compressions delivered to victims thought to be in cardiac arrest. When cardiac arrest occurs, the heart stops pumping blood. CPR can support a small amount of blood flow to the heart and brain to buy time until normal heart function is restored.
Cardiac arrest is often caused by an abnormal heart rhythm called ventricular fibrillation (VF). When VF develops, the heart quivers and doesn't pump blood. The victim in VF cardiac arrest needs CPR and delivery of a shock to the heart, called defibrillation. Defibrillation eliminates the abnormal VF heart rhythm and allows the normal rhythm to resume. Defibrillation is not effective for all forms of cardiac arrest but it is effective to treat VF, the most common cause of sudden cardiac arrest.
Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) can make the difference between life and death during incidents such as heart attacks and drowning. It is recommended that every member in your home know CPR.
View our CPR and AED training manual.
Free classes are available throughout the year from the Tacoma Fire Department. View our CPR Class Schedule for additional information.
CPR Sunday is held on the second Sunday of October every year. Visit our CPR Sunday page for additional information regarding our annual large scale training event.
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