What is the primary role of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) during an emergency?

The primary role of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) during an emergency is to assist the heart and lungs in functioning when they have stopped working effectively. In situations where a person experiences cardiac arrest, their heart fails to pump blood to vital organs, and the lungs do not provide adequate oxygen. CPR combines chest compressions and rescue breathing (if needed) to maintain blood flow and oxygenation until professional medical help arrives.

By performing CPR, a bystander can help sustain the person's life and reduce the risk of brain damage due to lack of oxygen, which is critical in the first few minutes following a cardiac event. This intervention plays a crucial role in the chain of survival, significantly increasing the chances of successful resuscitation and recovery.

The other options, while important in their own contexts, do not capture the essence of CPR's primary purpose. For instance, stabilizing broken bones and keeping the airway clear are essential during various medical emergencies but do not directly relate to the specific life-saving function of CPR, which is focused on reviving the heart and lungs' ability to circulate blood and provide oxygen. Reviving consciousness, although a potential outcome of effective CPR, is not its primary role; instead, the focus lies in restoring