Which of the following best describes CPR?

CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is best described as an emergency procedure to restore heart and lung function. This technique is critical in situations where a person's heart has stopped beating (cardiac arrest) or when they have ceased to breathe effectively. It combines chest compressions and rescue breaths to help maintain blood flow to the brain and other vital organs until professional medical help arrives or the person can be successfully revived.

Recognizing the purpose of CPR is essential in emergency response training. It is specifically designed for situations requiring immediate action to prevent death or severe injury caused by a lack of oxygen. The non-invasive nature of CPR makes it accessible for trained laypersons and first responders to perform it without needing specialized surgical tools or environments.

While other options address medical practices, they do not accurately encapsulate the essence of CPR as an emergency aid designed specifically for life-threatening situations.