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Understanding CPR and DNACPR

In this video, you’ll learn what CPR and DNACPR mean. It explains how a DNACPR decision supports a peaceful, natural death and reassurance for you and your family.

 

 

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Key points

 

  • CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is a treatment used to try to restart the heart or breathing after a cardiac or respiratory arrest.
  • DNACPR (Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is a medical decision to not attempt CPR if the heart or breathing stops.
  • CPR can be appropriate and successful in situations where a person is otherwise healthy, such as a young, fit person whose heart suddenly goes into an abnormal rhythm.
  • CPR is often unsuccessful at the end of a long illness when multiple organs are failing, and can be a traumatic or harmful intervention for someone who is frail, very old, or nearing the natural end of life.
  • A DNACPR allows a natural death to occur without chest compressions or shocks, supporting a peaceful end in the person’s chosen setting.
  • DNACPR decisions are usually recorded on a specific form (example here) that can be kept at home and shared with the GP, ambulance service, and hospital teams.
  • A DNACPR decision does not mean all care stops. All other treatment, such as antibiotics, dialysis, or hospital care, continues as usual until the final heartbeat.
  • Conversations about resuscitation can be difficult because they require acknowledging the possibility of death, but they are essential for ensuring a peaceful, preferred end‑of‑life experience.
  • Understanding CPR and DNACPR helps individuals and families have meaningful discussions with each other and with healthcare professionals about end‑of‑life care.
Printable information sheet

 

Meet our experts

Dr Ros Taylor MBE

Dr Ros Taylor has over 30 years of experience in palliative care and was awarded an MBE for Services to Hospice Care following a nomination by a patient. She was Clinical Director at Hospice UK, a national umbrella organisation for the hospice/ palliative movement, advocating for improved access to palliative care in all settings including care homes. In January 2020, she took on the medical leadership role to re-open Michael Sobell Hospice in West London. She has contributed to the Lancet Commission on the Value of Death on topics such as the ‘will to live’, power and gender issues. She is a Senior Advisor to the Montreal International Congress on Palliative Care, and has most recently developed a new resource, HPAL, which curates essential palliative information for both family and professional caregivers.

 

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The resources available are not, and are not intended to be, medical advice, which should be tailored to your individual circumstances.  The resources are for your information only, and we advise that you exercise your own judgment before deciding to use the information provided. Professional medical advice should be obtained before taking action. Full terms and conditions.