What is an effective chest compression likely to do during CPR?

An effective chest compression during CPR is crucial for maintaining blood circulation throughout the body, especially to vital organs like the brain and heart. When performed correctly, compressions help to create pressure in the chest cavity, which in turn forces blood out of the heart and into the circulatory system. This artificial circulation is essential for increasing the chances of survival until advanced medical help can take over.

The main purpose of chest compressions is to mimic the heart's pumping action, ensuring that oxygenated blood reaches critical areas that need it to prevent irreversible damage. This is particularly important when the heart is not functioning effectively, as in cases of cardiac arrest.

While it is true that compressions can sometimes lead to broken ribs due to the force exerted, this is generally considered an acceptable risk in order to restore circulation. Similarly, while chest compressions do not induce a heartbeat, they are designed to circulate blood in the absence of a natural heartbeat or during ineffective heartbeats. Thus, the effectiveness of CPR relies heavily on the ability of compressions to maintain blood circulation.