When should CPR be initiated?

Initiating CPR is critical in life-threatening situations, particularly when an individual is unresponsive and not breathing. This is because unresponsiveness indicates that the person is not able to maintain normal bodily functions, and the absence of breathing means that oxygen is not being delivered to vital organs, which can lead to irreversible damage or death.

In such scenarios, CPR can help restore circulation and provide some oxygen to the person's brain and heart until emergency medical services arrive. The guidelines emphasize the importance of recognizing these two key signs—unresponsiveness and no normal breathing—before starting CPR. This protocol is aimed at maximizing the chances of survival and limiting potential brain damage due to the lack of oxygen.

The other options describe circumstances in which CPR is not warranted. If a person is responsive and breathing normally, they do not require CPR as they are stable. Visible injuries, while potentially serious, do not automatically necessitate CPR unless they result in unresponsiveness and lack of breathing. Additionally, CPR should not be reserved solely for instances where the heart has stopped, as the lack of breathing and responsiveness are the immediate indicators for initiating this life-saving measure.