What is the purpose of high-quality chest compressions?

High-quality chest compressions are crucial during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) because they focus on maintaining blood flow and circulation to vital organs, particularly the brain and the heart. When a person experiences cardiac arrest, their heart has stopped beating effectively, and blood is no longer being pumped throughout the body. This cessation of blood flow can quickly lead to irreversible damage to the organs.

By performing high-quality chest compressions, rescuers create artificial circulation, delivering oxygen-rich blood to these vital organs. Effective compressions maintain an adequate blood pressure during cardiac arrest, which is essential for preserving organ function and improving chances of survival. The quality of compressions, including their depth, rate, and allowing full chest recoil, directly affects how well blood is circulated.

The other options, while they may relate to aspects of CPR, do not capture the primary purpose of compressions as effectively as maintaining blood flow does. For example, while effective rescue breaths can complement high-quality compressions, the primary role of chest compressions is to ensure ongoing circulation. Similarly, the adjustment of workload on the rescuer or the likelihood of restarting the heart are secondary effects that arise from effective compressions but do not define their primary purpose.