What is the primary goal of performing CPR on an adult who is unresponsive and not breathing?

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Prepare for the American Red Cross R.24 Lifeguarding Exam! Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question comes with hints and explanations. Ensure your success!

The primary goal of performing CPR on an adult who is unresponsive and not breathing is to keep blood circulating to vital organs. When a person is not breathing and has lost responsiveness, their heart may have stopped beating effectively, leading to a critical situation where the brain and other vital organs are deprived of oxygen. CPR helps maintain blood flow, delivering essential oxygen and nutrients to these organs, which is crucial for preventing brain damage and increasing the chances of survival until advanced medical help can arrive. This process is vital because, without immediate intervention, the lack of oxygen can lead to irreversible harm within just a few minutes. While restoring consciousness and preparing for advanced medical care are important aspects of overall emergency response, the immediate focus of CPR is to preserve life by sustaining blood circulation.