What is the primary purpose of CPR?

The primary purpose of CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is to maintain blood flow to vital organs when a person is unresponsive and not breathing. During cardiac arrest, the heart stops pumping blood effectively, which can lead to irreversible damage to the brain and other vital organs within minutes.

CPR involves chest compressions and, if trained, rescue breaths, which together help to keep blood circulating throughout the body, particularly to the heart and brain. This is crucial for sustaining life until professional medical help arrives or an automated external defibrillator can be used.

While assisting with breathing can be an aspect of CPR, the overarching goal is to maintain the circulation of oxygen-rich blood, which is why the focus on maintaining blood flow is fundamental to the procedure. Other options, such as delivering medications or assessing injuries, play different roles in medical emergencies but are not the primary focus of CPR itself.