When should an EMT initiate CPR?

Initiating CPR is crucial in situations where a patient is unresponsive and not breathing or not breathing normally. This condition indicates that the heart has likely stopped functioning effectively, resulting in a lack of oxygenated blood being circulated to vital organs. In such scenarios, immediate action is necessary to restore circulation and improve the chances of survival.

When a patient is unresponsive and not breathing, brain death can occur within a few minutes due to lack of oxygen. The aim of CPR is to provide artificial circulation and maintain blood flow to the brain and vital organs until emergency medical services can take over. CPR can significantly increase survival rates and the possibility of a good neurological outcome if started promptly.

The other scenarios do not call for CPR initiation. A patient who is responsive but in severe pain has their airway intact and is still breathing, meaning CPR is not required. If a patient is unconscious but has a pulse, it indicates that the heart is still functioning, and CPR would not be appropriate, as it could cause more harm. Signs of a stroke represent a different medical emergency and require a different approach, focusing on rapid transport and advanced care rather than CPR.