What does the term "bystander CPR" refer to?

Bystander CPR refers to cardiopulmonary resuscitation performed by an individual who witnesses a cardiac arrest event before professional medical personnel arrive. This term emphasizes the critical role that everyday people can play in a life-threatening scenario. When a bystander provides CPR, it can significantly increase the chances of survival for the person in cardiac arrest because it helps maintain blood flow to vital organs until trained medical providers can take over. This intervention is crucial, given that the brain can begin to suffer irreversible damage within minutes of a heart stopping.

The term specifically excludes CPR performed by medical professionals, as well as procedures limited to hospital settings or advanced techniques such as those involving specialized airway management. Instead, bystander CPR is meant to empower non-medical individuals to act in emergencies, underscoring the importance of basic life support training for the general public.