Final answer:
CPR should be performed on an individual who is in cardiac arrest. Proper training and technique are vital to avoid injuries during CPR, and certification is highly encouraged. Rescuers should begin CPR after safely removing a drowning victim from water.
Step-by-step explanation:
CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, should be performed on an individual who is in cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest is a severe medical emergency where the heart is not pumping blood effectively or at all. It's paramount to respond quickly and perform CPR to maintain blood circulation, especially to vital organs such as the brain. Individuals who can respond to painful stimuli, are conscious with an airway obstruction, or are simply experiencing difficulty in breathing but are still conscious are not immediate candidates for CPR. Instead, appropriate measures for those conditions such as the Heimlich maneuver for choking or assisting with medication or positioning for difficulty breathing should be taken.
Proper training in CPR is crucial to avoid serious injuries such as broken ribs, a broken sternum, or internal damage. Proper technique and hand placement, between the T4 and T9 vertebrae of the sternum, are essential to effectively circulate blood during chest compressions. Certification in CPR is recommended for medical personnel and the public, with regular recertification to ensure skills remain current. CPR continues until the patient has a return of spontaneous circulation or is declared deceased by a healthcare professional.
When encountering a drowning victim, the priority is to first remove them from the water to a stable ground before starting CPR. In cases of submersion where no water has entered the lungs, CPR can still be effective if started within a critical time window. Performing CPR in cold-water drowning cases has seen some remarkable recoveries even with prolonged immersion, particularly in young individuals.