Cardiopulmonary resuscitation beyond the technique

Publication date: Available online 24 February 2015 Source:Colombian Journal of Anesthesiology Author(s): Fritz E. Gempeler R. This reflective article presents the current state of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and reviews it from a bioethical standpoint. It starts with the ineffectiveness of CPR and the reasons why today it is a universally applied procedure, sometimes without taking into consideration the wishes or condition of the patient. Possible courses of action for the continuous improvement of cardiopulmonary resuscitation are proposed, especially from the humanistic point of view. Greater involvement of patients and their families in medical decisions, particularly in the planning of medical management rather than in the acute phase of the disease—as is the case for CPR—is encouraged.
Source: Colombian Journal of Anesthesiology - Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research