The Rhythm of Rescue: A CPR History and Memoir

The Rhythm of Rescue: A CPR History and Memoir brings the lifesaving science of cardiopulmonary resuscitation to life through history, education, and deeply human experiences. Author Monica Stephens, RN, interviewed countless CPR instructors, industry leaders, sudden cardiac arrest survivors, and their loved ones to weave together this unprecedented, layered, richly detailed exploration of CPR and emergency response.
Monica combined her medical education with her gift for storytelling to guide readers through the evolution of CPR—from the earliest attempts at resuscitation to today’s collaborative global organizations advancing emergency response and cardiac care. Along the way, the histories of resuscitation and defibrillation intertwine with firsthand accounts from survivors, rescuers, educators, and families forever changed by sudden cardiac arrest.
In her book, Monica also highlights some of the best-known people, companies, and products in the industry, including MCR Medical, PRESTAN, and GoRescue. She emphasizes the critical role of proper training and emergency response equipment when seconds count.
Beyond the science, statistics, and history, this book reveals something even more powerful: how much difference a single response can make. The Rhythm of Rescue reminds readers that the next sudden cardiac arrest could happen anywhere, to anyone. The person who saves a life might be the one who chose to be ready.
With this book, Monica delivers engaging education, historical insight, and inspiration in support of her lifelong goal: to provide people with the tools, techniques, and confidence that can mean the difference between action and inaction, between a life saved and a loved one lost.