title: Evolution and revolution in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To discuss the evolution of the technique of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), including presenting important research that has made substantial improvements in patient outcome.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The last half century has seen the arising of guidelines for performing CPR increasingly based on good scientific evidence. Improvements in the technique, including teaching citizens 'compressions only CPR', have simplified the process of rescue while improving survival.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Numerous scientific studies and the better understanding of physiology have contributed to enhanced outcomes while creating community-based systems of care.
authors.affiliation: University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas, United States.
authors.forename: Ray
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fowler
authors.forename: Mary P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Ahamed H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Idris
mesh_terms: D016887:Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans