How long can CPR effectively 'buy time' before more advanced medical help is needed?

CPR can effectively "buy time" by maintaining circulation and oxygenation of the vital organs, particularly the brain, for several minutes following cardiac arrest. In a typical scenario, if high-quality CPR is performed, it can sustain a patient's viability until advanced medical personnel arrive to provide more definitive treatment, such as advanced airway management or defibrillation.

The critical factor is that brain cells can begin to suffer irreversible damage due to lack of oxygen within approximately 4 to 6 minutes after cardiac arrest. Therefore, the effectiveness of CPR in prolonging life before professional medical intervention is generally limited to just a few minutes.

While CPR is crucial, it cannot sustain life indefinitely. It is a temporary solution that delays the progression of somatic effects until advanced medical help can take over. Therefore, the time frame of several minutes is the most accurate representation of how long CPR can effectively provide support.