What is the primary purpose of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)?

The primary purpose of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is to maintain blood circulation and oxygenation to vital organs, particularly the brain and heart, during a cardiac arrest. When the heart stops beating effectively, blood flow to the body ceases, leading to a lack of oxygen in the tissues and organs. CPR involves chest compressions and, in some cases, rescue breaths, which help to artificially circulate blood and deliver oxygen. The goal is to keep the blood flowing until advanced medical help can arrive and restore a normal heartbeat, ideally minimizing brain damage and increasing the chances of survival.

While restoring a normal heartbeat is a critical goal of resuscitation efforts, CPR itself primarily aims to sustain circulation and oxygenation during the critical moments before more comprehensive medical interventions can take place. Monitoring heart activity does not contribute to the immediate physical actions required in CPR, and providing oxygen directly to the brain is a beneficial outcome but not the primary function of the procedure.