Does CPR actually produce blood flow?

We’ve been taught that when we perform high-quality chest compressions, we’re circulating blood. But is that always true?

In this episode of the ACR Moonshot Podcast, Billy Croft and Joe Powell challenge one of the most basic assumptions in cardiac arrest resuscitation: that chest compressions automatically equal meaningful blood flow.

CPR creates pressure—but pressure alone doesn’t guarantee that blood is reaching the brain and heart where it matters most.

Billy and Joe break down the physiology behind CPR and explore how compression fraction, ventilation, intrathoracic pressure, interruptions in compressions, and the pressure gradients we create during resuscitation can determine whether we are actually producing forward blood flow.

This conversation challenges us to stop looking at CPR simply as a procedure and start looking at what we're really trying to accomplish: perfusion.

Because in cardiac arrest, doing CPR isn't enough.

We have to create flow.

Protect the Gradient.

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50.1% Neurologically Intact Survival by 2030.

Special Thanks To Our Sponsor : Zoll Medical

In this episode of Q&A with Joe and Billy: The Resuscitation Revolution, we explore the science, leadership, and culture behind Advanced Cardiac Resuscitation (ACR) and what it takes to improve survival from sudden cardiac arrest.

Joe and Billy discuss the evolving understanding of intrathoracic pressure regulation, coronary perfusion pressure, cerebral perfusion, and high-performance resuscitation systems. Beyond the science, the conversation focuses on the leadership and culture change required inside fire departments and EMS agencies to successfully implement ACR and improve outcomes for the communities we serve.

This podcast is designed for fire service leaders, paramedics, EMS professionals, medical directors, and anyone passionate about improving cardiac arrest survival.

Through real-world experience, open conversation, and lessons learned in the field, Joe and Billy aim to help agencies rethink resuscitation and move toward better science, better systems, and better outcomes.

Learn More About Advanced Cardiac Resuscitation

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Equipment & Technology Referenced

ZOLL Medical Corporation

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Sponsorship: ACR Moonshot would like to thank Zoll Medical for sponsoring this podcast and our efforts to saving more lives!

Join host Billy Croft and guest co-host Kevin Joles on the ACR Moon Shot podcast as they delve into the critical hand-off process at the ER for cardiac arrest patients. Recorded in Kansas City, MO, this episode explores the challenges first responders face when transferring patients and highlights the importance of educating emergency room teams on bundle of care to improve neurologically intact survival. Special guest Rod Cheney from Zoll Medical discusses the company and the innovative Zenix cardiac monitor. Tune in to learn how better communication and collaboration can lead to improved patient outcomes.

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