The authors present a review of the current literatuře on basic life support without mouth-to-mouth ventilation (cardiocerebral resuscitation).The historie rationale for the integration of mouth-to-mouth breathing into cardiopulmonary resuscitation and its controversial role in relation to the pathophysiology of the most frequent circulatory arrests of cardiac origin are discussed. Conclusions of experimental studies, clinical trials and the recent recommendations of resuscitation societies are summarized.

        Key words: resuscitation - cardiopulmonary resuscitation - cardiocerebral resuscitation - ventilation -cardiac arrest