New devices for cardiopulmonary cerebral resuscitation ate under investigation. To increase perfusion pressures and blood flow during cardiopulmonary cerebral resuscitation, a hand-held suction device for active compression-decompression has shown promising preliminary results. Circumferential compression of the chest by use of a pneumatic vest and interposed abdominal compression could also contribute to enhanced blood flow. High-dose adrenaline application remains controversial. Implementation of a prehospital do-not-resuscitate programme is possible. Such a programme may help to respect the patient's will, and to reduce costs near the end of life.