Resuscitation is how someone attempts to revive your heart and breathing. (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation; CPR) A person would compress your heart by applying pressure to your chest. These compressions can help circulate blood through your body. If you are not breathing on your own, a person may breath into your mouth to give you rescue breaths. Although these acts of resuscitation can revive you, you may need mechanical ventilation to sustain your life. It is very important to understand what these terms mean and to communicate your wishes regarding CPR and mechanical ventilation.

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