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ASSESS THE SITUATION
Before giving care, you must determine if the victim is in a life-threatening situation and if the victim is able to ask for help.
If the victim is conscious and able to communicate with you by voice, gestures, or any other method of communication, you should not perform CPR. However, if the victim is unconscious and unable to communicate with you, you should prepare to start CPR.
There is a distinct difference between helping the victim at his or her request and performing CPR. You should not perform CPR on anyone who is conscious and able to communicate. You should instead call 9-1-1 (or your local emergency number). If the victim is asking you to perform CPR, do not comply. You can, however, help the victim in other ways, such as first aid, calling for help, etc.
YOU SHOULD ONLY PERFORM CPR ON A VICTIM WHO IS UNCONSCIOUS AND NOT BREATHING.
IS IT SAFE?
Time is of the essence when the victim is not breathing or suffering from cardiac arrest. However, you should not rush into action without thinking.
If you intend to help the victim, you must determine whether the victim is in a safe location. The #1 rule is your safety. You can't help someone else if you get hurt.
If the victim is in a safe location, there is usually no need to move the victim. If the victim is in an unsafe location, you must determine if it is safe for you to enter the location and move the victim to a safer location.
It is not safe for you to enter an area with downed power lines or a burning house. Entering an unsafe location could result in you becoming a victim yourself. If the victim has drowned in deep waters and you are a good swimmer and you are confident that you can retrieve the victim without endangering yourself, then the choice is yours. You should use your best judgement to decide whether to enter an unsafe location.
CONSIDER YOUR OWN SAFETY
Consider the dangers to your own health when helping others.
When performing CPR with mouth-to-mouth breathing you may come in contact with bodily fluids such as blood or saliva. There is a risk of communicable diseases and bloodborne pathogens that can be transmitted to you.
Some common communicable diseases include COVID-19, e. coli, hepatitis, HIV, lyme disease, meningitis, mumps, rabies, and whooping cough. While not all communicable diseases are life threatening, some have no cure and you may become infected for life.
Be sure to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect yourself when helping others. PPE's include gloves, masks, goggles, protective clothing, or anything else that creates a protective barrier between you and any potentially infectious materials.
Consider the possible dangers and risks to you when you help the victim.
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