Which method is used to assist the heart and lungs during an emergency situation?

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a critical first-aid technique used to assist the heart and lungs during an emergency, particularly in cases of cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. The CPR technique involves a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths (in traditional CPR) or just chest compressions (in Hands-Only CPR), aimed at maintaining blood circulation and oxygenation to vital organs until professional medical help arrives.

In the event someone's heart stops beating effectively or they stop breathing, CPR serves as an immediate intervention that can significantly increase the person’s chances of survival. It helps keep blood flowing to the brain and other organs, providing a bridge until advanced medical care, such as defibrillation or advanced life support, can be delivered.

While other methods like Automated External Defibrillation (AED) are important in emergency situations, they are often used in conjunction with CPR rather than as standalone techniques to support heart and lung function during an emergency. Advanced Cardiac Support and Emergency Medical Assistance also involve higher levels of medical intervention that go beyond the immediate support that CPR provides in life-threatening situations.