Resuscitations

Resuscitation refers to clinical interventions aimed at restoring spontaneous circulation and breathing in people experiencing cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, trauma, or other life-threatening conditions. It includes initial lifesaving efforts as well as post-resuscitation care to stabilize organ function and improve outcomes.

Resuscitations occur in many settings, including out-of-hospital emergencies managed by emergency medical services and in-hospital on wards or in intensive care units. In many systems, dedicated code teams coordinate rapid responses to suspected arrests.

Core components range from basic life support, such as chest compressions and airway management, to defibrillation when indicated, and advanced life support with rhythm analysis, medications, and hemodynamic support. Post-resuscitation care emphasizes optimizing circulation and oxygen delivery, treating the underlying cause, and preventing secondary injury.

Outcomes vary with the cause, downtime before intervention, and quality of subsequent care. Survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is highly time-dependent, and neurological outcome is a major consideration in prognosis.

Resuscitation practice is guided by professional guidelines and ethical norms. Organizations such as the American Heart Association and the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation publish evidence-based recommendations. Respect for patient autonomy, including do-not-resuscitate decisions, shapes decisions about initiating or continuing resuscitative efforts.

Hospitals document resuscitation events and monitor performance to drive quality improvement. Training and certification in life support are standard components of medical education for clinicians and first responders.