When to Perform CPR: How to Know When It’s Needed

Updated 17/02/2025 with clarifications on DRSABCD timeframes, COWS First Aid and why it’s important to recognise an emergency.

Learning CPR might feel like stepping into uncharted territory. You’re probably wondering, How do I know when to use it? What if I get it wrong? Trust me, you’re not alone. The idea of stepping in during an emergency can be intimidating, but knowing when and how to act isn’t as complicated as you might think.

Here’s the simplest way to think about CPR: it’s about keeping someone’s brain and organs alive until help arrives. Dramatic? Absolutely. But also completely doable—and incredibly effective.

By the time you finish this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of when CPR is needed, the common situations where it saves lives, and why getting trained with CPR Course Brisbane is the next step in becoming someone’s hero.

What Is CPR, and Why Is It So Important?

CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a lifesaving skill that helps maintain blood and oxygen flow when the heart stops beating or breathing stops. Think of it as hitting the “pause” button on potential damage until paramedics take over.

The reality? Every second counts. Without CPR, a person’s chances of survival drop fast—like 10% per minute fast. By stepping in and performing CPR, you’re not just helping them survive; you’re keeping their brain and organs alive long enough for professional care to work its magic.

The Critical Decision: When to Commence CPR

Here’s the million-dollar question: how do you know when it’s time to perform CPR? It all comes down to these two key signs:

1. Are They Responsive?

COWS is a simple way to check responsiveness in an emergency:

1. Can you hear me? – Speak loudly and clearly to see if they respond.
2. Open your eyes – Ask them to open their eyes and observe any movement.
3. What’s your name? – Check if they can understand and respond verbally.
4. Squeeze my hand – Place your hand in theirs and ask them to squeeze.

2. Are They Breathing Normally?

Take a closer look at their breathing. If it’s irregular, shallow, or completely absent, that’s your green light to start CPR.  But what is the best way to take a look at their breathing?

The Look, Listen, and Feel Test: Your Key to Decision Making

This test is crucial in determining whether someone needs CPR. Here’s how to do it:

1. Look: Check for chest movement. Is the chest rising and falling regularly?
2. Listen: Put your ear close to their mouth and nose. Can you hear breath sounds?
3. Feel: Place your cheek near their mouth and nose. Can you feel air on your cheek?

Perform this test for 10 seconds. If there are no signs of normal breathing during this time, it’s time to start CPR.

Remember, occasional gasps are not normal breathing.If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, it’s go time. Call 000 (Australia’s emergency number) and start CPR.

When CPR Is Needed: Common Scenarios

Let’s put it into context with real-life situations where you’ll need to start CPR:

1. At Chermside Shopping Centre: You’re doing some shopping when you see an elderly man collapse near the food court. You rush over, ensure there’s no danger, and find him unresponsive. You perform the look, listen, and feel test – no chest movement, no breath sounds, no air felt on your cheek. Time to start CPR and call for help! 
2. At Deagon Racecourse: You’re enjoying a day at the races when a woman nearby suddenly clutches her chest and falls to the ground. She’s unconscious and not responding. You perform the look, listen, and feel test – no signs of normal breathing. You should commence CPR immediately while asking someone else to call emergency services and find a defibrillator. 
3. At a Local Pool: A child is pulled from the water unconscious. After ensuring the scene is safe, you help check for responsiveness. The child is unresponsive. Before starting CPR, you quickly turn the child onto their side to drain any fluids from the mouth and nose. Then, you look for chest movement, listen for breath sounds, and feel for air – nothing. It’s time to start CPR right away.
   

Act Fast and Confidently

In our HLTAID009 Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation course, we train you to recognize these situations quickly and act decisively. Why? Because CPR is most effective when started immediately after cardiac arrest. For every minute that passes without CPR, the chance of survival decreases by 7-10%.

That’s why we focus on building your confidence and skills. When you’re well-trained, you can trust your judgment and take action without hesitation.

The Bottom Line: Quick Action Saves Lives

So, when do you do CPR? When should you commence CPR? When do you start CPR? The answer is simple: As soon as you recognize that someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally after performing the look, listen, and feel test.

Your quick action could be the difference between life and death. With proper training, you can act fast and confidently in those critical moments.

Want to feel more prepared to recognize when to start CPR and act decisively? Our HLTAID009 Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation course will give you the skills and knowledge to do just that. With our online theory and quick 45-minute hands-on session, you’ll be ready to save a life before you know it.

Stay safe, Brisbane, and remember: Quick, confident action saves lives. You’ve got this!