What does modified CPR primarily involve?

Modified CPR primarily involves performing chest compressions only. This approach is often recommended for untrained bystanders or during situations where rescue breaths cannot be safely delivered. The physiological principle behind this method is that chest compressions can still circulate blood to vital organs, even without breaths, which can maintain some level of circulation in a cardiac arrest scenario.

This focus on chest compressions helps to simplify the process and encourages more people to take action during emergencies, as they may feel more confident performing compressions than administering rescue breaths. In situations where rescue breaths are not feasible, avoiding additional complexities can make the technique more accessible and effective in increasing chances of survival until professional help arrives.

Rescue breaths and other methods, such as abdominal thrusts and back blows, play important roles in other emergency response scenarios but are not the primary action in modified CPR.