What is a key concept when administering CPR?

Starting with chest compressions is a crucial aspect of administering CPR because it helps to quickly establish blood circulation when a person is unresponsive and not breathing. The primary goal of CPR is to maintain blood flow to vital organs, particularly the brain and heart, until professional help arrives. Chest compressions significantly increase the chances of survival by providing a manual form of circulation.

Compressions should be delivered firmly and at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. This action helps to oxygenate blood that remains in the body and keeps the blood circulating to essential organs. While rescue breaths can be valuable in certain situations, initiating chest compressions is prioritized, especially in cases of cardiac arrest where the immediate need is to restore circulation.

The focus on chest compressions over rescue breaths also reflects current guidelines that emphasize hands-only CPR for laypersons, as it is easier to perform and more effective in maintaining blood flow.