What is the purpose of chest compressions in CPR?

The purpose of chest compressions in CPR is to circulate blood to vital organs. When a person's heart has stopped beating effectively, or during cardiac arrest, blood flow to the brain and other essential organs is compromised. By performing chest compressions, you create artificial circulation, effectively mimicking the heart's pumping action. This helps maintain blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to vital organs and allowing for some degree of perfusion until a normal heartbeat can be restored.

The other options, while related to emergency care, do not accurately describe the primary function of chest compressions during CPR. Establishing a heartbeat is a goal of CPR, but it is the compressions themselves that facilitate blood circulation rather than starting the heart. Similarly, delivering oxygen to the lungs is important in CPR but is more directly related to rescue breaths rather than compressions. Relieving choking is a separate emergency procedure that does not involve chest compressions; instead, it focuses on clearing the airway to restore breathing.