When was cpr first used

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: CPR was first successfully used in 1740 by French physician Dr. Leroy de Châteauvieux, who revived a drowning victim using mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Chest compressions were later added in 1960 when researchers at Johns Hopkins University developed modern CPR techniques combining rescue breaths and chest compressions.

Key Facts

The first recorded use of artificial respiration was in 1740 by French physician Dr. Leroy de Châteauvieux
Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation was officially recommended by the Royal Humane Society in 1773
In 1891, German surgeon Dr. Friedrich Maass performed the first documented chest compressions on a human
Modern CPR combining rescue breaths and chest compressions was developed in 1960 at Johns Hopkins University
The American Heart Association adopted CPR guidelines in 1966, standardizing training across the U.S.

Overview

The concept of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) dates back to the 18th century, with early attempts focused on reviving drowning victims. Though rudimentary by today’s standards, these efforts laid the foundation for life-saving protocols used worldwide.

Over time, medical advances transformed resuscitation from experimental techniques to standardized procedures. The integration of breathing assistance and chest compressions marked a turning point in emergency medicine.

1740: French physician Dr. Leroy de Châteauvieux performed the first documented successful resuscitation using mouth-to-mouth ventilation on a drowning victim.
1773: The Royal Humane Society began promoting artificial respiration, offering rewards for successful resuscitations using breath-based methods.
1891: Dr. Friedrich Maass in Germany advocated chest compressions after observing improved circulation during cardiac arrest, performing the first known external chest compressions.
1950s: Dr. James Elam and Dr. Peter Safar proved the effectiveness of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, leading to its widespread adoption in emergency care.
1960: Researchers William Kouwenhoven, Guy Knickerbocker, and James Jude at Johns Hopkins discovered that chest compressions could circulate blood, forming the basis of modern CPR.

How It Works

Modern CPR combines chest compressions and rescue breaths to maintain oxygenated blood flow to vital organs during cardiac arrest. This dual approach sustains brain function until advanced medical help arrives.

Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation: Invented in the 1700s, this method delivers oxygen into the lungs using exhaled air, with an oxygen concentration of approximately 16%, sufficient to sustain life temporarily.
Chest Compressions: Performed at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute, they mimic the heart’s pumping action, maintaining up to 30% of normal blood flow.
Compression Depth: For adults, guidelines recommend pressing the sternum down 2 to 2.4 inches to effectively circulate blood without causing rib fractures.
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs): Introduced in the 1990s, AEDs increased survival rates by delivering shocks to restore normal heart rhythm when needed.
Hands-Only CPR: The American Heart Association endorsed hands-only CPR in 2008, simplifying training and encouraging bystander intervention with just chest compressions.
Survival Rates: Immediate CPR can double or triple survival chances, with each minute without CPR reducing survival by 7–10%.

Comparison at a Glance

Key developments in resuscitation methods over time show how techniques evolved from basic breathing assistance to comprehensive life support.

Era	Technique	Key Innovator	Effectiveness
1740s	Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation	Dr. Leroy de Châteauvieux	Limited to drowning cases; ~10% success rate
1891	External chest compressions	Dr. Friedrich Maass	Improved circulation; not yet standardized
1950s	Rescue breathing standardization	Dr. Peter Safar	Revived 70% of test subjects in trials
1960	Combined CPR (compressions + breaths)	Kouwenhoven, Jude, Knickerbocker	Survival increased to 30–40% with prompt use
2008–Present	Hands-only CPR	American Heart Association	Encouraged in public; improves bystander response by 40%

These advancements reflect a shift from isolated techniques to integrated protocols. Today’s CPR is evidence-based, widely taught, and supported by global health organizations, significantly improving survival outcomes.

Why It Matters

Understanding the history of CPR highlights its critical role in emergency response and public health. Widespread training and protocol standardization have saved millions of lives globally.

Over 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur annually in the U.S., making CPR knowledge essential for bystanders.
Immediate CPR can increase survival rates from 10% to 45% in witnessed cardiac arrests.
Schools in 40 U.S. states now require CPR training for graduation, expanding public readiness.
Global initiatives like World Restart a Heart Day promote CPR awareness in over 100 countries.
CPR training has expanded to mobile apps and VR simulations, increasing accessibility and retention.
The integration of CPR with AEDs in public spaces has boosted survival rates by up to 50% in cities like Seattle.

From its 18th-century origins to today’s life-saving protocols, CPR remains one of the most impactful advances in emergency medicine, empowering ordinary people to save lives.