What is the primary purpose of using CPR on a child in cardiac arrest?

The primary purpose of using CPR on a child in cardiac arrest is to maintain blood circulation and oxygenation. When a child's heart stops beating effectively, the body is deprived of the oxygen-rich blood that is essential for life. Performing CPR helps to manually pump blood and deliver oxygen to vital organs, particularly the brain and heart, until further medical help is available and the child's heart can be restored to a normal rhythm.

This approach is crucial because, in the absence of spontaneous circulation, irreversible brain damage can occur within minutes. Therefore, timely CPR is essential to increase the chances of survival and minimize the potential for long-term neurological damage. While other procedures such as defibrillation and establishing an airway are important components of advanced life support, the immediate priority in a cardiac arrest situation is to ensure that blood continues to circulate and body tissues remain oxygenated.