When should you start CPR cycles for a drowning victim?

Starting CPR cycles for a drowning victim involves a focus on providing initial breaths due to the nature of drowning, which is often associated with an inability to breathe and oxygen deprivation. When a person drowns, they typically suffer from a lack of oxygen, so delivering rescue breaths is crucial to help reintroduce oxygen into the lungs and bloodstream.

Administering two initial breaths before starting chest compressions is a part of the protocol in drowning situations because it addresses the immediate need for oxygen. This initial action can be vital in saving the person's life, as it assists in mitigating the effects of hypoxia while additional assistance, such as chest compressions, can be provided.

In contrast, starting CPR only if the victim is not breathing might overlook the urgent need to deliver oxygen when dealing with drowning cases. Additionally, checking for a pulse is not the main priority in drowning situations, where the likelihood of cardiac arrest is high due to asphyxia. Thus, beginning with two rescue breaths is a critical step when responding to a drowning victim.