When should chest compressions be initiated in CPR?

• A. Only when a patient is not breathing
• B. Immediately after checking responsiveness
• C. After calling emergency services
• D. After administering rescue breaths

Answer: (B)

Initiating chest compressions in CPR is vital for providing effective circulation to a patient in cardiac arrest. The correct moment to start chest compressions is immediately after checking responsiveness. If a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally (this includes gasping), it indicates that their heart may no longer be pumping blood effectively, and immediate action is necessary.

Starting compressions right after confirming that the patient is unresponsive is crucial, as the sooner you begin chest compressions, the sooner blood flow can be restored to vital organs. The focus in this situation is to activate the emergency response and then take direct action to maintain circulation until professional help arrives.

The other options do not align with the established CPR protocols. Simply waiting to call emergency services before starting compressions disregards the life-saving urgency of the situation. Additionally, rescue breaths are typically administered after chest compressions, not before. Therefore, beginning chest compressions right after checking responsiveness is the most critical step in the sequence of CPR actions.