Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam 2025 - Free BLS Practice Questions and Study Guide

Initiating CPR is critical in situations where a person's heart has stopped functioning, which is indicated by unresponsiveness and absence of normal breathing. When a victim is unresponsive and not breathing, it signifies a cardiac arrest or similar life-threatening emergency. In this state, the person is unable to circulate blood or oxygen to vital organs, and immediate action is required to restore circulation and oxygenation.

Recognizing unresponsiveness is key, as it determines that the person is not capable of responding to verbal or physical stimuli. The absence of breathing—whether it be gasping or normal breaths— reinforces the necessity for CPR, as it indicates that the body is not receiving the oxygen it desperately needs.

In contrast, if a victim is responsive and breathing, or conscious but in distress, they still have the ability to maintain their airway and may not need CPR. Difficulty breathing can warrant assistance or medical intervention, but does not automatically necessitate the initiation of CPR, as the heart may still be pumping blood adequately. Understanding these critical signs allows a responder to effectively assess the situation and act appropriately during an emergency.