What is the purpose of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)?

The purpose of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is to revive a person by maintaining blood circulation and breathing when the heart has stopped beating effectively or when breathing has ceased. CPR combines chest compressions and rescue breaths to support the vital organs—particularly the brain and heart—during a medical emergency. This immediate action is crucial because it provides oxygenated blood to the body until professional medical help arrives or the person can be defibrillated to restore a normal heart rhythm.

By engaging in CPR, you are effectively trying to minimize the potential damage caused by the lack of oxygen, increasing the likelihood of survival and a better neurological outcome. This emphasizes the essential role CPR plays in emergency situations where a person is in or near cardiac arrest, making it a life-saving technique.