What is the primary purpose of CPR?

The primary purpose of CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is to circulate blood and maintain oxygenation in a person who has suffered cardiac arrest or has stopped breathing. When the heart stops beating effectively, blood flow to vital organs, especially the brain, is compromised. CPR involves chest compressions and rescue breaths to manually pump blood and provide oxygen to the body until professional medical assistance can take over.

While reviving someone from unconsciousness may be a hoped-for outcome of performing CPR, it is not the primary objective; rather, the focus is on sustaining circulation and oxygenation to prevent further brain damage and maintain viability. Similarly, although preventing drowning incidents is an important aspect of life-saving techniques, it is not the primary purpose of CPR as CPR can be applied in various situations beyond drowning. Lastly, calling emergency services is crucial in the overall response to a medical emergency, but it serves as a support action rather than a primary purpose of the CPR process itself. Hence, maintaining blood circulation and oxygenation is the fundamental aim of delivering CPR.