This was a sobering story on CPR in the elderly (NPR)
A ‘natural death’ may be preferable for many to enduring CPR
A frightening issue discussed in this article was the concept of ‘CPR-Induced Consciousness’, where chest compressions circulate enough blood to the brain to awaken the patient during cardiac arrest, who may then literally experience hell, with ribs popping, needles entering their skin or a breathing tube passing through their larynx.
TL:DR
Survival
The overall survival rate from CPR ranges from 7.6% out-of-hospital and only 17% in-hospital.
These numbers are worse in the elderly (6.7% in the 70’s to 2.4% in those over 90.)
Less than 2% of patients with cancer, heart, lung or liver disease survive more that 6 months.
Harm?
Fractured/cracked ribs common (and very painful.)
Pulmonary hemorrhage, liver lacerations and broken sternums also occur
CPR-Induced Consciousness
Chest compressions circulate enough blood to the brain to awaken the patient during cardiac arrest, who may then experience ribs popping, needles entering their skin, a breathing tube passing through their larynx.
Brain Injury
30% of survivors of in-hospital cardiac arrest have significant neurologic disability
Only 2% of survivors over 85 escape significant brain damage
Quality of Life
The traumatic nature of CPR may be why as many as half of patients who survive wish they hadn’t received it, even though they lived. It’s not just a matter of life or death, if you survive, but quality of life.
CNMRI: Neurology, Sleep Medicine, MRI 