Resuscitation

/rɪˌsʌsɪˈteɪʃən/ noun

Definition

The action of reviving someone from unconsciousness or apparent death, typically through medical procedures like CPR. The process of restoring breathing, heartbeat, or consciousness.

Etymology

From Latin 'resuscitatus,' past participle of 'resuscitare' meaning 'to rouse again, revive,' from 're-' (again) + 'suscitare' (to raise up). The medical term gained prominence in the 18th century as revival techniques developed.

Kelly Says

The first recorded mouth-to-mouth resuscitation was described in the Bible when the prophet Elisha revived a child, but modern CPR wasn't developed until 1960! The technique has saved countless lives, though the survival rate for cardiac arrest outside hospitals remains surprisingly low at about 10%.

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