What is the primary reason for using chest compressions during CPR?

The primary reason for using chest compressions during CPR is to circulate blood to vital organs. When a person experiences cardiac arrest, their heart stops pumping blood, leading to a critical lack of oxygen supply to the brain and other essential organs. Chest compressions help create artificial circulation by manually compressing the chest, which forces blood out of the heart and into the bloodstream. This process is crucial because it helps maintain some level of oxygenation in the body and can significantly increase the chances of survival, especially if defibrillation and advanced medical intervention can follow.

While restoring breathing, stimulating the heart, or relieving abdominal pressure may be components of broader medical scenarios or techniques, the primary objective during CPR is to ensure that blood continues to flow to vital organs to prevent irreversible damage and increase the likelihood of recovery.