In an email dating back to 1999 it described a technique of coughing and deep breathing while a victim suffers with cardiac dysrhythmia. Supposedly by coughing, the victim can remain conscious.

The email circulated, pointing out that coughing would increase blood pressure to the brain, preventing a complete arrest. There is no scientific evidence that proves the prevention of total cardiac arrest due to increased blood pressure.

RSTO does not endorse cough CPR, as Red Cross and AHA also do not recommend this procedure. It's also worrying that performing this technique during a heart attack may worsen myocardial ischemia and infarction since coughing and breath holding prevents inhalation, thus reducing the supply of oxygen.

From the RSTO Team on the 10th of December 2012!