As an expert in emergency medical response, I can provide you with guidance on recognizing when someone may need CPR. Breathing and pulse are indeed the two key factors in determining if someone needs CPR. Here's a step-by-step approach to assess the situation: 1. Ensure safety: Make sure the scene is safe for both you and the person in distress. 2. Check responsiveness: Gently tap the person's shoulder and ask loudly, "Are you okay?" 3. Call for help: If there's no response, have someone else call emergency services (911) while you proceed to check for breathing and a pulse. 4. Open the airway: Tilt the person's head back slightly to open the airway. 5. Check for breathing: Look for chest movement, listen for breath sounds, and feel for breath on your cheek. 6. Check for a pulse: If the person isn't breathing or has irregular, gasping breaths, check for a pulse. Place two fingers on the neck, just to the side of the windpipe. 7. Begin CPR: If there's no pulse or no normal breathing, begin CPR immediately with chest compressions and rescue breaths. Remember, time is critical in these situations. Early initiation of CPR can greatly increase the victim's chances of survival. read more >>

Breathing and pulse are the two key factors in determining if someone needs CPR or not. ... If a person isn't breathing or doesn't a pulse, consider them in dire straits. Make every second count. Call 911 and begin chest compressions and/or rescue breathing depending on the emergency.read more >>