What is true about CPR?

CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a life-saving technique that combines chest compressions and rescue breaths to help maintain blood flow and oxygenation in a person who has stopped breathing or whose heart has stopped beating. This combination is critical because chest compressions help to circulate blood to vital organs, while rescue breaths provide oxygen to the lungs. Research has shown that this dual approach can significantly increase the chances of survival and recovery in cardiac arrest situations.

In contrast, solely relying on chest compressions without rescue breaths may be less effective, especially in cases involving children or situations where respiratory distress is a factor. CPR is applicable to individuals of all ages, not just children, as long as they are unresponsive and not breathing normally. Additionally, while it is important to assess a patient’s responsiveness, CPR can often be administered regardless of the patient's consciousness, especially if they are not breathing, as the immediate goal is to restore crucial functions until professional help arrives.