What is the primary indicator of successful CPR?

The primary indicator of successful CPR is the return of a pulse. This is crucial because it signifies that effective chest compressions have restored circulation and the heart is able to generate a pulse on its own again. The goal of CPR is to maintain blood flow to vital organs during cardiac arrest, and the presence of a pulse indicates that blood is being pumped through the cardiovascular system.

While normalization of body temperature, presence of consciousness, and restoration of blood pressure are important aspects of overall recovery and may indicate improvement, these are secondary to the immediate goal of CPR. The return of a pulse directly reflects the effectiveness of the chest compressions and the potential for the patient’s heart function to recover.