What is the primary goal of CPR in a cardiac arrest situation?

In a cardiac arrest situation, the primary goal of CPR is to maintain blood circulation. This is crucial because, during cardiac arrest, the heart stops pumping blood effectively, leading to inadequate blood flow to vital organs, particularly the brain. By performing high-quality chest compressions, CPR helps to artificially circulate blood, ensuring that oxygen continues to reach critical areas. This is vital for prolonging life and increasing the chances of successful resuscitation until more advanced medical help is available.

While providing oxygen to the patient is important in situations where there is respiratory failure or low oxygen saturation, CPR primarily focuses on maintaining perfusion of organs through continued circulation. Restoring consciousness is a secondary outcome that results from successful resuscitation and adequate blood flow but is not the immediate goal of CPR. Additionally, inducing a shock with an AED is a critical step in the treatment of certain arrhythmias but is not the main focus of CPR itself, which precedes and supports the use of an AED when available.