What is the primary goal of CPR?

The primary goal of CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is to restore breathing and circulation. When a person experiences cardiac arrest, their heart stops beating effectively, which halts blood circulation to vital organs, including the brain. CPR is a critical intervention that combines chest compressions and rescue breaths (in some cases) to manually maintain blood flow and provide oxygen to the body until advanced medical help arrives or the heart can be restarted.

By ensuring that some level of oxygenated blood continues to flow to the brain and other crucial organs, CPR significantly increases the chances of survival and reduces the likelihood of irreversible brain damage. This fundamental purpose underlines its importance in emergency situations where immediate action can make a difference between life and death.

While increasing blood pressure, relieving pain, and stabilizing a person before transportation are important aspects of emergency care, they are not the primary aim of CPR itself. Instead, these may be considered subsequent steps in the overall management of a patient after initial resuscitation efforts have been made.