What is the main goal of performing CPR?

Performing CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, primarily aims to restore normal breathing and circulation in a person who is experiencing cardiac arrest or has stopped breathing. The immediate goal during CPR is to maintain vital blood flow to the brain and other organs until emergency medical services arrive or an automated external defibrillator (AED) can be utilized. By providing chest compressions and rescue breaths, CPR helps oxygenate the blood and keep it circulating, which is critical to preventing irreversible damage or death.

While administering medications, assessing for injuries, and providing comfort are all important aspects of patient care in a broader context, these actions do not address the immediate threat posed by cardiac arrest. The focus of CPR must be on re-establishing effective heart function and respiration to improve the likelihood of survival and minimize complications. This makes the goal of restoring normal breathing and circulation paramount in emergency situations requiring CPR.