What is the primary purpose of rescue breaths in CPR?

The primary purpose of rescue breaths in CPR is to provide oxygen to the lungs. When a person is unable to breathe on their own due to cardiac arrest or another respiratory failure, delivering breaths helps to supply the vital oxygen needed for the body to function. This is crucial because, without oxygen, the brain and other organs can suffer irreversible damage within a few minutes. The rescue breaths increase the oxygen saturation in the blood, supporting the survival of the patient until professional medical help arrives or until the patient begins to breathe on their own again.

While clearing airway obstructions, circulating blood, and stimulating cardiac function are all important aspects of CPR, they do not specifically address the direct function of providing oxygen to the lungs, which is the essential role of rescue breaths in this life-saving procedure.