Document Overview

Document Title

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care

Authoring Society

American Heart Association

Document Publication Date

Oct 22, 2025

Page Last Reviewed/Updated

May 5, 2026

Document Type

Guideline

Country of Publication

United States

Full Text Freely Available

Yes

Full Text Guideline

cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines/executive-summary

Source Citation

Del Rios M, Bartos JA, Panchal AR, Atkins DL, Cabanas JG, Cao D, Dainty KN, Dezfulian C, Donoghue AJ, Drennan IR, Elmer J, Hirsch KG, Idris AH, Joyner BL, Kamath-Rayne BD, Kleinman ME, Kurz MC, Lasa JJ, Lee HC, McBride ME, Raymond TT, Rittenberger, JC, Schexnayder SM, Szyld E, Topjian A, Wigginton JG, Previdi JK. Part 1: executive summary: 2025 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. Circulation. 2025;152(suppl):S284–S312. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001372 

Supplemental Implementation Resources

• Algorithms

Document Scope, Criteria, and Use Cases

Document Objectives

This executive summary provides an overview of the 2025 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care, which is organized around the Utstein Formula for Survival and provides updated recommendations aimed at improving survival rates and neurological outcomes following cardiac arrest. This executive summary outlines key changes, emphasizing the importance of high-quality chest compressions, early defibrillation, and the integration of advanced resuscitation techniques. These Guidelines also highlight critical post–cardiac arrest care strategies, including targeted temperature management and hemodynamic stabilization. Additionally, they stress the need for population-specific resuscitation approaches, particularly for pediatric patients, pregnant individuals, and individuals with cardiac arrest due to special circumstances. A strong focus is placed on continuous training and education for both medical professionals and lay rescuers to enhance the implementation and effectiveness of these lifesaving interventions. The 2025 Guidelines also highlight the importance of an integrated system of people, protocols, policies, and resources to achieve quality improvement in cardiac arrest care. An overview of ethical considerations relevant to emergency cardiovascular care, resuscitation, and approaches to decision-making surrounding cardiac arrest is also included. By following these updated recommendations, the American Heart Association seeks to optimize resuscitation efforts and improve patient outcomes in cardiac emergencies.

Scope

Assessment and Screening, Diagnosis, Management, Treatment

Diseases/Conditions (MeSH)

D016887 - Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

D022561 - Advanced Cardiac Life Support

D016887 - Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

D022561 - Advanced Cardiac Life Support

Keywords

Basic life support, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Emergencyy Cardiovascular Care, Life support, Neonatal Life support, Pediatric life support

Inclusion Criteria

Male, Female, Adolescent, Adult, Child, Infant, Older Adult

Health Care Settings

Ambulatory, Childcare Center, Emergency Care, Hospital

Intended Users

Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Paramedic/EMT, Physician, Physician Assistant

Recommendation Development Processes & Methodology

Supplemental Methodology Resource

Evidence Evaluation and Guidelines Development