What is the primary purpose of performing CPR?

The primary purpose of performing CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is to circulate blood and maintain perfusion to vital organs, particularly the brain and heart, during cardiac arrest. When a person's heart stops beating effectively, blood flow to the body ceases, which can result in irreversible damage to the brain and other vital organs within minutes. CPR helps to artificially circulate oxygenated blood to these organs until advanced medical help can take over or until normal heart function is restored.

While restoring breathing and clearing the airway are important components of resuscitation efforts, they are secondary to the primary goal of maintaining blood circulation and perfusion. Medication may play a role in advanced cardiac care delivered by medical professionals, but CPR itself focuses on physical actions—chest compressions and rescue breaths—to sustain blood flow and oxygenation until further help arrives. Thus, B encapsulates the essential function of CPR in emergency medical care.