What is the primary purpose of chest compressions in CPR?

The primary purpose of chest compressions in CPR is to maintain blood circulation. When a person’s heart stops beating effectively, oxygenated blood no longer circulates to vital organs, particularly the brain and heart. Administering chest compressions manually creates pressure in the chest cavity, which helps to push blood out of the heart and back into circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and organs that critically depend on a constant blood supply.

This function is essential because during cardiac arrest, the brain can begin to suffer irreversible damage within just a few minutes due to lack of oxygen. By providing chest compressions, you are effectively creating a mechanical form of circulation that can help sustain life until advanced medical help arrives or until the heart can be successfully restarted.

In contrast, while clearing the airway is important in the overall context of CPR, it is a separate action primarily aimed at ensuring that breaths can be delivered effectively. Preventing hypothermia and inducing coughing are not direct objectives of chest compressions during CPR. The focus remains on restoring and maintaining blood flow to safeguard the affected individual's chance of survival.