A CPR apparatus includes a chest compression unit and a means for mounting the chest compression unit on a patient. The chest compression unit includes a plunger disposed in a housing. At its one end extending from the housing, the plunger has a compression member. The plunger is driven in a reciprocating manner by a reversible electromotor via a mechanical device for translating rotational motion of the motor to linear motion of the plunger or the plunger is driven by a linear induction electromotor. An electromotor control unit including a microprocessor, a first monitor for monitoring the position of the plunger in respect of the housing and a second monitor for monitoring the position of the plunger in respect of the mechanical device for translating rotational motion to linear motion or the rotor of the linear induction electromotor. The monitored positions are communicated to the electromotor control unit. Also disclosed is a corresponding CPR method.
