What does CPR consist of?

CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a life-saving technique used in emergencies when someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped. The correct answer reflects the comprehensive nature of CPR, which includes both chest compressions and rescue breathing.

Chest compressions are essential for maintaining blood circulation and ensuring that oxygen-rich blood reaches vital organs like the brain and heart. This mechanical action helps to artificially pump blood through the body when the heart is not beating effectively.

Rescue breathing, on the other hand, provides oxygen to a person who is not breathing on their own. It helps to supplement oxygen levels in the blood until normal respiration can be restored either spontaneously or through advanced medical intervention.

The combination of these two techniques is critical because while compressions alone can maintain some level of circulation, they do not address the absence of oxygen in the bloodstream. Conversely, rescue breathing without chest compressions may not be reliably effective if there is no circulation. This synergy is what makes CPR a powerful tool in emergency situations, reflecting the importance of both components in increasing the chances of survival until help arrives.

Using an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is an important part of responding to cardiac emergencies, but it does not replace the need for CPR;