When should you perform CPR?

CPR should be performed when a person is unconscious and not breathing. This situation indicates that the individual is in a life-threatening condition, likely due to cardiac arrest or a similar emergency. When someone is unresponsive and not breathing, their heart is not pumping blood, which can lead to brain damage or death in a matter of minutes. Immediate CPR can help maintain blood flow to vital organs and increase the chances of survival until emergency medical services arrive.

In contrast, if a person is breathing normally, CPR is unnecessary, as the individual is still receiving oxygen. If someone is conscious but fainting, they may need assistance but are not in a condition that requires CPR. Finally, excessive coughing may indicate a respiratory issue or obstruction, but again, it does not warrant CPR unless the person becomes unresponsive and stops breathing. Thus, recognizing the signs of when to intervene with CPR is vital for effective emergency response.