CPR is an emergency procedure used when a person’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped.
It combines rescue breathing and chest compressions, where rescue breathing provides oxygen to the person’s lungs and chest compressions keep oxygen-rich blood flowing until the heartbeat and breathing can be restored. Other procedures used may tracheal intubation, electrical cardioversion, or resuscitation medication.

Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) is an order specifically requesting that the above interventions are not attempted.

Ministry of Health. 2015. New Zealand Palliative Care Glossary. Wellington: Ministry of Health.