What action improves oxygen delivery during CPR?

Continuous chest compressions during CPR play a crucial role in improving oxygen delivery to vital organs, especially the brain and heart. When compressions are performed effectively, they help maintain blood circulation by artificially pumping the heart's blood flow, which is vital when the heart has stopped beating or is beating ineffectively.

The rhythmic pressure applied during compressions builds up pressure within the chest cavity, which enhances venous return to the heart. This leads to an increase in the amount of oxygen-rich blood being delivered to essential organs, compensating for the lack of natural heart function. Additionally, continuous compressions create a flow of blood that can help deliver some oxygen from the lungs to the bloodstream, especially if the victim still has some residual oxygen available.

While ventilation through an artificial airway and the use of an AED are critical components of resuscitation, they do not directly improve oxygen delivery in the same way that continuous chest compressions do. Allowing self-breathing is not applicable in a scenario where a person is in cardiac arrest, as they are unable to breathe on their own. Thus, continuous chest compressions are the best action to enhance the effectiveness of CPR in delivering oxygen to the body during a critical emergency.