Elustamine

Elustamine is an Estonian term that denotes revival or resuscitation. In medical contexts it refers to actions taken to restore life-supporting functions in a person who has suffered cardiac or respiratory arrest. The word derives from elu, meaning life, and elustada, to revive, with the noun form elustamine capturing the process of bringing someone back to life or restoring vital functions.

In practice, elustamine encompasses cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), airway management, circulation restoration, defibrillation when appropriate, and the use of medications according to established resuscitation guidelines. International bodies such as the American Heart Association and the European Resuscitation Council issue guidelines that inform professional practice; national health services, including Estonia’s, adapt these guidelines to local context and resources. The primary goals are to restore spontaneous circulation, preserve brain function, and improve survival with favorable neurological outcomes. Since elustamine is time-sensitive, rapid recognition of arrest, prompt, high-quality chest compressions, and early defibrillation when indicated are critical determinants of outcome.

Beyond its medical use, elustamine can describe revival or revitalization efforts in cultural, linguistic, ecological, or economic contexts. In these senses, it refers to activities aimed at renewing vitality or resilience, such as cultural revival programs, language restoration initiatives, ecological rehabilitation projects, or urban and economic renewal efforts led by communities, institutions, or government bodies.