What is the main purpose of CPR?

The main purpose of CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is to "buy time" until normal heart function is restored or until advanced medical help arrives. CPR is a critical emergency procedure used when someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped. The immediate goal is to maintain blood flow to the brain and other vital organs, thereby preventing irreversible damage.

By performing CPR, a bystander or rescuer can keep oxygenated blood circulating through the body, which is essential when the heart is not functioning effectively. This interim measure is crucial, as it helps sustain life until the heart can be restarted through defibrillation or other medical interventions.

While restoring normal breathing and addressing cardiac arrest are important components of CPR, the focus is primarily on maintaining circulation and oxygenation to prolong survival chances. Consequently, treating severe blood loss, while critical in other medical emergencies, is not a direct purpose of CPR.