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Ask the Experts - CPR on a person who has recently had heart surgery

If a person who has recently had heart surgery collapses, do I perform CPR if they have no signs of circulation?

Yes, you do.

Even if the person has sutures, staples, or a zipper in the middle of their chest suggesting recent open heart surgery, if they are unconscious and have no signs of circulation, they need CPR to give them the best chance of survival. Any complications that result should they regain a pulse are a small price to pay to save a life.

-- Michael Whitehead, Instructor/Instructor-Trainer, Canadian Red Cross, Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, St. John Ambulance


ACT's Corporate Health Partners As part of our commitment to improving the health and quality of life of Canadians, AstraZeneca is proud to support ACT's commitment to saving lives through the delivery of CPR training to high schools across the country. Pfizer Canada is a proud supporter of the ACT Foundation's mission to promote health and empower Canadians to save lives. The more people know how to react during the first crucial moments, the greater the chance of survival. Sanofi Canada recognizes the value to society of the ACT Foundation's initiatives and fully supports the foundation's goal to see mandatory CPR training in Canadian high schools.
©2012 ACT Foundation