What is the primary goal of chest compressions during CPR?

The primary goal of chest compressions during CPR is to circulate oxygenated blood. When a person experiences cardiac arrest, the heart stops pumping effectively, leading to a cessation of blood flow to vital organs, including the brain. Chest compressions create artificial circulation by manually pressing down on the chest, which helps to maintain blood flow and deliver oxygen to the brain and other organs. This is critical because, without sufficient blood flow, brain cells can begin to die within minutes, leading to potential brain damage. Although preventing brain damage is important, it occurs as a result of effective circulation provided by chest compressions, making the circulation of oxygenated blood the central goal of performing CPR.