What is the primary objective of high-quality CPR?

The primary objective of high-quality CPR is to maintain blood flow to vital organs. When a person experiences cardiac arrest, their heart is unable to pump blood effectively, which leads to a lack of oxygen delivery to the brain and other critical organs. High-quality CPR aims to mimic the heart's pumping action through chest compressions, which helps maintain circulation and perfusion to these vital areas. This is crucial since even a short period without blood flow can result in irreversible damage or death.

Other components, such as airway clearance, medication administration, and monitoring vitals, are important in the broader context of emergency care, but they do not address the immediate need to preserve blood flow during cardiac arrest. Effective chest compressions provided during CPR are paramount to increasing the chances of survival until advanced medical care can be applied. This focus on maintaining blood flow ensures that the oxygen-rich blood reaches the most critical organs, especially the brain, which is particularly sensitive to oxygen deprivation.