CPR vs. Mechanical Ventilation: Differences, Success Rates & Roles

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

• Manual chest compressions + rescue breaths (or compression-only for lay rescuers).
• Goal: Maintain minimal cerebral/coronary perfusion until ROSC or advanced care.
• Performed by: Anyone (layperson to professional).
• Setting: Anywhere (home, public, hospital).
• Survival to discharge (OHCA): ~10–12% overall; ~30–40% with bystander CPR + shockable rhythm.

Mechanical Ventilation (Artificial Respirator)

• Device delivering positive-pressure breaths via endotracheal tube (invasive) or mask (NIV).
• Goal: Support gas exchange in respiratory failure; used post-ROSC, in ICU, OR.
• Operated by: Respiratory therapists, critical care nurses, physicians.
• Setting: Hospital (ICU, ED, OR), transport.
• Not a cardiac arrest intervention—requires intact circulation or concurrent CPR.

Key Distinction

CPR is for cardiac arrest (no pulse). Mechanical ventilation is for respiratory failure (with pulse). In cardiac arrest, CPR comes first; if ROSC achieved, mechanical ventilation follows.

Comparison Table

Feature	CPR	Mechanical Ventilation
Method	Manual	Device
Primary Indication	Cardiac arrest	Respiratory failure
Provider	Anyone	Trained professionals
Setting	Anywhere	Hospital/transport
Outcome Measure	ROSC, survival	Gas exchange, ventilator liberation

Both are life-saving; they serve different phases of critical illness.