When should an EMT initiate CPR on a patient?

Initiating CPR is critical for providing life-saving care, particularly in cases of cardiac arrest and respiratory failure. The correct choice encompasses both scenarios where CPR should be initiated, which are the absence of a detectable pulse and respiratory failure.

When a patient is unresponsive, it is essential to assess their pulse. If a pulse is not detectable, this indicates that the heart is not effectively pumping blood, which warrants immediate CPR to maintain blood circulation and oxygen delivery to vital organs. In this case, the initiation of chest compressions is vital to prevent irreversible damage due to lack of oxygen.

Additionally, the presence of respiratory failure—where the patient is unable to breathe adequately—also necessitates the initiation of CPR. In such circumstances, even if the heart may still be beating, inadequate oxygenation can lead to the heart stopping soon after. Starting CPR can help restore effective circulation and support breathing until further advanced medical treatment can be provided.

Therefore, the correct answer is that CPR should be initiated when there is no detectable pulse and/or the patient is in respiratory failure, highlighting the importance of assessing both the pulse and respiratory status when determining the need for CPR.