How do I know when to do CPR?

Richard Pass, RN, Registered Nurse & CPR Expert, shares advice on how to know when to initiate CPR to someone who is unresponsive
Pediatric First Aid - Knowing When To Perform CPR
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How do I know when to do CPR?

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Knowing when to initiate CPR has always been a bit difficult for many rescuers. The fear of course that you might start CPR on someone who does not need it. The old methods we have had in the past included checking a pulse on victims. We do not do that anymore because it is highly unreliable. We are essentially looking for any sign of life in the victim, which include in particular any spontaneous and rhythmic breathing, any moving that the victim is doing or any coughing. The absence of all those plus other changes in the appearance, skin color and so forth of the victim usually is an indicator to get started.

Richard Pass, RN, Registered Nurse & CPR Expert, shares advice on how to know when to initiate CPR to someone who is unresponsive

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Richard Pass, RN

Registered Nurse & CPR Expert

Richard Pass, RN, BS, was born in Los Angeles. He studied nursing in Portland, Oregon and has since practiced nursing for 35 years, including ICU, Emergency, and Cardiology nursing. Richard started his CPR & Family Safety educational company, Save a Little Life, Inc., in 1999. With Save a Little Life, Inc., Richard presents house calls and classes all over the Los Angeles area. He teaches medical-surgical nursing at California State University, and is married with two grown children and one grandchild.

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Transcription: 
Knowing when to initiate CPR has always been a bit difficult for many rescuers. The fear of course that you might start CPR on someone who does not need it. The old methods we have had in the past included checking a pulse on victims. We do not do that anymore because it is highly unreliable. We are essentially looking for any sign of life in the victim, which include in particular any spontaneous and rhythmic breathing, any moving that the victim is doing or any coughing. The absence of all those plus other changes in the appearance, skin color and so forth of the victim usually is an indicator to get started.