cardiopulmonary resuscitation n 1: an emergency procedure consisting of external cardiac massage and artificial respiration; the first treatment for a person who has collapsed and has no pulse and has stopped breathing; attempts to restore circulation of the blood and prevent death or brain damage due to lack of oxygen [syn: {cardiopulmonary resuscitation}, {CPR}, {cardiac resuscitation}, {mouth-to-mouth resuscitation}, {kiss of life}]
cardiopulmonary resuscitation \cardiopulmonary resuscitation\ n. An emergency procedure to revive heart and lung function in persons whose heart has apparently stopped beating, involving forced respiration, periodic pressure on the heart by pushing on the chest, and sometimes electrical or mechanical equipment. It is often referred to by the acronym {CPR}. [PJC]