What is the primary goal of CPR?

The primary goal of CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is to maintain circulation to vital organs, particularly the brain and heart, during a cardiac arrest situation. When a person experiences cardiac arrest, their heart stops beating effectively, leading to a cessation of blood flow. Without immediate intervention to circulate blood, vital organs can quickly sustain damage due to lack of oxygen.

CPR involves chest compressions and, in some cases, rescue breaths to artificially maintain blood flow and oxygenation to the body's organs until professional medical help arrives or normal heart function is restored. Maintaining circulation is crucial, as every second counts in preventing irreversible damage associated with prolonged lack of blood flow.

While restoring breathing, relieving choking, and understanding the underlying cause of collapse are all important aspects of emergency care, the immediate and critical focus during CPR is to ensure that the heart continues to pump blood throughout the body, which is why maintaining circulation to vital organs is the correct primary goal.