What happens to blood flow when chest compressions stop?

When chest compressions stop, blood flow decreases significantly. This is because chest compressions are essential for artificially creating circulation in a person experiencing cardiac arrest. By compressing the chest, you push blood out of the heart and into the rest of the body, helping to supply vital organs with oxygen and nutrients. Once compressions cease, the force needed to generate that flow is removed, leading to a rapid decline in blood circulation. Without this continuous mechanical pump action, the brain and other critical organs are deprived of the oxygen they need, which can result in severe damage or death within a matter of minutes. Maintaining consistent chest compressions is crucial to preserving organ function and increasing the chances of survival during a cardiac emergency.