What is the purpose of CPR?

The primary purpose of CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is to maintain blood circulation and ensure that oxygen continues to reach vital organs, particularly the brain, when an individual's heart has stopped beating or they have stopped breathing. This technique is critical because, without oxygenated blood flow, brain cells can begin to die within minutes, leading to irreversible damage and increasing the risk of death.

When performed effectively, CPR can help buy time for emergency medical services to arrive and for more advanced interventions to be conducted. It doesn’t revive someone directly but rather keeps them alive by maintaining some degree of circulation and oxygen supply.

Other options refer to specific situations or outcomes that are not the main focus of CPR. For example, while CPR may be used in drowning cases, it is not solely designed to revive a drowning victim, nor does it directly reset the heart’s electrical system. Furthermore, relieving a choking victim involves a different set of techniques rather than CPR. Therefore, focusing on the continuous circulation of blood and oxygen is key to understanding the purpose of CPR.