How does interruption of cardiopulmonary resuscitation affect survival from cardiac arrest?

Purpose of review Survival rates from cardiac arrest are unacceptably low. The present review aims to summarize recent contributions to cardiopulmonary resuscitation research in relation to hemodynamic consequences and especially survival resulting from interruption of chest compressions for defibrillation and rescue breathing. Recent findings Data from animal and human studies strongly support the negative consequences for overall survival when cardiopulmonary resuscitation is interrupted for rescue breathing and rhythm analysis. Futhermore, in settings of prolonged cardiac arrest, electrical defibrillation may not have the highest priority as initial intervention. Summary Interruption of cardiopulmonary resuscitation negatively affects survival from cardiac arrest. Fewer interruptions for interventions and interventions that take less time may improve survival.