Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Practice 2025 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Master Your CPR Skills!

The thoracic pump theory behind delivering chest compressions highlights the importance of creating pressure within the thoracic cavity to facilitate blood circulation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). When chest compressions are performed at the widest part of the chest, it effectively increases intrathoracic pressure. This rise in pressure is key to pushing blood out of the heart and into the vital organs, ensuring that they receive oxygenated blood even during a cardiac arrest.

By compressing the chest in this manner, the heart acts as a pump, and the increased pressure essentially "forces" the blood through the systemic and pulmonary circulations. This theory underscores the need for proper compression technique, which is foundational in the practice of CPR. Utilizing the correct compression technique not only promotes effective blood flow but also optimizes the chances of survival until advanced medical intervention can be initiated.