What is the purpose of rescue breaths during CPR?

The purpose of rescue breaths during CPR is to provide oxygen to the victim's lungs. When a person is in cardiac arrest, their heart is not pumping blood effectively, which means that oxygen is not being delivered to vital organs, including the brain. Rescue breaths help to manually ventilate the lungs and ensure that oxygen-rich air enters the bloodstream. This is crucial because it can help sustain the victim's life and minimize brain damage until further medical assistance can be provided or until the heart can be successfully restarted.

In this context, the other options do not accurately reflect the primary role of rescue breaths. Restoring heart rhythm is achieved through compressions and defibrillation, while blood circulation relies on chest compressions. Keeping the victim awake and alert is not relevant in a situation where the individual is unresponsive and in need of resuscitation. The focus of rescue breaths is solely on providing oxygen.