What is the combination of chest compressions and rescue breathing used to restore ventilation and circulation called?

The combination of chest compressions and rescue breathing aimed at restoring ventilation and circulation is known as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR. This emergency procedure is critical in situations where a person's heart has stopped beating or they are not breathing adequately. CPR helps maintain blood flow to vital organs and provides some degree of oxygenation until advanced medical help can take over.

CPR encompasses two main components: chest compressions, which circulate blood throughout the body, and rescue breaths, which deliver oxygen directly into the lungs. Performing CPR can significantly increase the chances of survival for individuals experiencing cardiac arrest or respiratory failure.

While advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) and basic life support (BLS) also relate to emergency response, they encompass broader approaches and protocols for managing patients with cardiac or respiratory emergencies. For instance, ACLS involves more advanced techniques, medication administration, and specific algorithms for managing cardiac arrest scenarios, whereas BLS focuses on the foundational skills like recognizing emergencies, performing CPR, and using an AED. However, the specific term that describes the exact action of combining chest compressions and rescue breathing is CPR.