When is it appropriate to begin CPR on a patient?

Initiating CPR is critically important when a patient is unresponsive and has no pulse, as this indicates that they are in cardiac arrest. In such cases, immediate action is necessary to help restore blood flow and oxygen to vital organs. CPR involves chest compressions and rescue breaths, aimed at maintaining circulation until professional medical help arrives.

This choice is based on the guidelines established for cardiac arrest management, emphasizing the necessity of acting quickly when there are no signs of circulation. Other scenarios, such as if the patient is conscious and talking, breathing normally, or in shock, do not warrant starting CPR because these conditions indicate some level of responsiveness or circulation that does not require such emergency intervention.