Drugs in cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Although approximately one million cardiac arrests occur every year in the USA and Europe, cardiac arrest remains a clinical condition still characterized by poor prognosis. One possible explanation may be the fact that although 70% of cardiac arrests take place in out-of-hospital settings, the majority of the victims do not receive basic life support (BLS) prior to the arrival of emergency medical services (EMS). Survival of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims strongly depends on prompt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Survival rates will only improve, if delay time until initiation of CPR is kept to an absolute minimum. Good quality CPR, with an emphasis on chest compressions is a key component for the victims' survival. Drugs play a secondary role in the treatment of these patients. This book presents the latest research in drug therapy in CPR.