Final answer:
The heart refills between compressions during CPR to maintain blood flow to vital organs, which is crucial to prevent brain damage. High-quality chest compressions and proper hand positioning are essential for the effectiveness of CPR, and AEDs can be used for rhythm correction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The heart will adequately refill between compressions C) To maintain blood flow to vital organs. During a cardiac emergency, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is used to manually compress the heart and sustain blood circulation. The goal of allowing the heart to refill between compressions is critical for maintaining blood flow to organs, especially the brain. In fact, the lack of blood flow can cause irreversible brain damage and death of neurons within minutes, which is why high-quality chest compressions are emphasized in CPR certification courses.
Proper hand positioning between the lines at T4 and T9 on the sternum is essential in performing effective CPR. To avoid injuring the patient further, those who perform CPR must receive proper training, available at locations like colleges, hospitals, and through organizations like the American Red Cross. Chest compressions should be at least 5 cm deep and at a rate of 100 compressions per minute, indicative of the rhythm in the song "Staying Alive" by the Bee Gees. In addition to manual compressions, a portable electronic device known as an automated external defibrillator (AED) can also be used to deliver a shock and correct abnormal heart rhythms, aiding in the resuscitation process.