CPR involves techniques to manually maintain circulation and respiration in a person whose heart and breathing have stopped. The main goals of CPR are to temporarily provide oxygen to the brain and heart until definitive medical treatment can restore normal heart function. Key aspects of CPR include chest compressions, artificial ventilation, use of an automated external defibrillator, and advanced life support with medications and procedures. Outcomes are best when bystander CPR is provided immediately and the cardiac arrest victim receives rapid defibrillation and advanced care. Post-cardiac arrest care focuses on optimizing the medical condition of cardiac arrest survivors.