Introduction Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, abbreviated as CPR, is a very vital life saving procedure practiced worldwide. It is arguably the best (most effective) way of sustaining the life of victims of cardiac arrest so that they can live long enough for treatment to arrive (Wik, Steen, and Bircher, 1994). Such treatments are usually in the form of intravenous cardiac drugs or defibrillation (Brindley, Markland, and Kutsogiannis, 2002). This procedure began as early as the 18 th century and several developments have occurred since then. Today, new methods have been developed to ensure more efficiency and effectiveness. Early History of Resuscitation Ancient references to resuscitation Freilich (1964) argued that the concept of resuscitation is not as modern as some may think. He argues that mouth-to-mouth resuscitation started during the biblical times. He claims that one of such a case is recorded in the book of Kings (1 Kings 17:21) (p. 383). This may be seen where Elijah stretched himself on top of the victim while crying out to God. From this exercise, the child was resuscitated. Another example in the bible where a similar practice as mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is used is whereby Elisha stretched himself on the child and put his mouth on his mouth (2 Kings 4:34). The skin of the child started to get warm again and he sneezed and opened his eyes. This is very similar to the practices of the 18 th century where the victims of drowning were kept warm and the mouth-to-mouth procedure conducted to resuscitate them. In the book of Exodus, the midwife (Puah) was recorded to have resuscitated a newborn (Exodus 1:15-17). She revived the baby with her own breath (Avramidis, 2012, p. 21). This procedure is similar to what is now known as the external air ventilation (EAV) procedure. The theory of Pneuma was present in 700 BC. This was whereby it was believed that the Pneuma could not be released when one was drowning. This was particularly because the airway had been blocked. Therefore, the victim had to be rescued in order to free it (Avramidis, 2012, p. 22). Other attempts and techniques of resuscitation were recorded around 200-500 AD and it was referred to as the human EAV. The heat resuscitation technique was introduced in 1000 AD. 530 years later, the bellows resuscitation was suggested. Vesalius method was introduced in 1555 AD. The fumigation resuscitation method and mouth-to-mouth technique were also practiced in 1711 AD and 1744 AD respectively. Evidence of the use of defibrillation was present as early as 1775 AD. Other methods employed during the period between 1700 and 2000 AD include the trotting horse resuscitation method, endotracheal intubation, Dalrymple resuscitation, Van Howard resuscitation, Emerson resuscitation, among other (Avramidis, 2012, pp. 24-28). Development of resuscitation The 18 th century Among the earliest attempts of resuscitation were seen in the 18 th century. Amsterdam was the first city to promote these attempts. This city is located in an area characterised with several canals. This makes the city’s residents vulnerable to drowning. During this time, however, death from cardiac disease was not common. Due to the many deaths due to drowning in Amsterdam, several enlightened individuals decide to form the Society