What is the primary purpose of CPR?

The primary purpose of CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is to restore breathing and circulation in a person who has experienced cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. When the heart stops beating, blood flow to vital organs, especially the brain, is compromised. CPR techniques, which include chest compressions and rescue breaths, help maintain blood flow and provide oxygen to the body until advanced medical help arrives.

The focus of CPR is on enabling the heart to resume its normal rhythm and ensuring that oxygenated blood continues to reach critical areas of the body. This action can significantly improve a person's chances of survival and recovery from near-drowning, heart attack, or other emergencies that lead to a loss of consciousness and normal breathing.

Temporary relief from choking can be managed through other procedures, such as the Heimlich maneuver, which specifically targets airway obstruction. Recovery from a cold is not related to CPR, as colds are viral infections that do not require immediate life-saving interventions. While relaxation and stress reduction are beneficial for overall health, they do not align with the life-saving objective of CPR, which is to act quickly to preserve life by restoring vital functions.