When should you perform CPR?

Performing CPR is essential in a life-threatening situation where someone's heart has stopped or they are not breathing. The correct scenario for initiating CPR is when the patient is unresponsive and not breathing. In this condition, the person's body is not receiving the oxygen it needs to function, which can lead to serious and irreversible damage in a matter of minutes.

In such a situation, CPR helps to circulate oxygen-rich blood to vital organs, buying time for medical professionals to arrive and provide advanced care. It raises the chances of survival significantly, making it a critical skill to learn and apply when necessary.

In contrast, if the patient is breathing normally, CPR would not be performed since their heart and lungs are functioning adequately. Similarly, a conscious patient who is fainting may need support and monitoring, but they would not require CPR unless they become unresponsive and stop breathing. It is also important to note that calling for emergency assistance is a vital step, but it does not replace the need for immediate CPR in the case of a cardiac arrest. CPR should be initiated as soon as a patient is confirmed to be unresponsive and not breathing, ideally before emergency help arrives.