When should you begin CPR on an unresponsive individual?

Beginning CPR on an unresponsive individual is critical in situations where they are not breathing and have no pulse. This is because CPR is designed to maintain blood flow to the brain and other vital organs until advanced medical help can arrive.

When a person is unresponsive and exhibits no signs of breathing or pulse, this indicates that their heart has stopped functioning effectively, which can lead to irreversible damage or death within minutes. Initiating CPR can help circulate oxygenated blood to the body's organs and improve the chances of survival until a defibrillator or medical personnel can take over.

If the individual is still breathing or has a pulse, CPR is not indicated, as it could cause further harm. Waiting for an instruction from a medical professional might lead to a delay in vital life-saving measures that need to be taken immediately. Moreover, responding at the first sign of distress might not always trigger the need for CPR unless there is a clear loss of consciousness and vital signs. Thus, the correct approach is to proceed with CPR when the individual shows no signs of breathing and lacks a pulse.