What is the purpose of CPR?

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Prepare for The American Red Cross CPR Test. Engage with interactive flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations, to ensure readiness for your certification!

The purpose of CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is to maintain blood circulation until professional help arrives. When someone's heart stops beating, blood circulation ceases, which leads to a critical lack of oxygen to the brain and other vital organs. By performing CPR, you provide artificial circulation, which can help keep blood flowing and deliver oxygen to the brain and preserve organ function until emergency responders can take over.

This immediate action is crucial, as it can significantly increase the chances of survival and reduce the risk of severe brain damage. While CPR can certainly help, it is not a definitive measure to stop heart failure or ensure complete recovery without further medical intervention. Its primary aim is to act as a bridge, sustaining life while waiting for advanced medical care.