What is the importance of high-quality CPR in increasing survival rates?

High-quality CPR is crucial for increasing survival rates because it improves blood flow and oxygenation to the brain and heart until advanced medical care can take over. When a person experiences cardiac arrest, their heart stops pumping effectively, which leads to a rapid decline in oxygen delivery to vital organs. By performing high-quality CPR, which includes effective chest compressions and rescue breaths, a rescuer can maintain some level of circulation and oxygenation to these critical areas.

This continuous support can significantly extend the time that a person can survive without permanent damage, such as brain death. It helps to buy time for emergency services to arrive and provides a better chance for a successful outcome when advanced care is administered. The effectiveness of CPR is not solely dependent on when it is performed; rather, the quality and technique of the CPR being administered is essential in ensuring that the body is adequately perfused with blood and oxygen during those critical moments.