What is a primary goal of chest compressions during CPR?

The primary goal of chest compressions during CPR is to create blood flow. When someone experiences cardiac arrest, their heart stops pumping effectively, which means blood is not being circulated throughout the body, depriving vital organs of oxygen. By performing chest compressions, you generate pressure in the chest cavity that helps to manually pump blood from the heart to the rest of the body, especially the brain and other vital organs. This artificial circulation is critical for maintaining some level of blood flow until professional medical help can take over or until an automated external defibrillator (AED) can be used to restore a normal heart rhythm.

While assisting in breathing, opening the airway, and regulating heart rate are important components of CPR, the immediate and essential purpose of chest compressions is to ensure that blood continues to circulate, thus supporting the victim’s chances of survival during the critical moments following a cardiac arrest.