Which is a sign that CPR may be needed?

The indicator that CPR may be required is the person's state of unconsciousness and unresponsiveness. When an individual is unresponsive, it means they do not react to stimuli, and they cannot be roused to awareness. This is a critical situation, as it suggests that the individual may not be breathing adequately or at all, which can lead to cardiac arrest or other life-threatening issues.

In contrast, persistent coughing indicates that the person may still have some level of consciousness and the ability to breathe, suggesting that they are not in immediate need of CPR. Normal breathing shows that the individual is stable and does not require resuscitative efforts at that moment. A faint heartbeat might raise concerns but does not necessarily indicate the immediate need for CPR, as it could be a sign of a weak but still functioning heart. Therefore, unresponsiveness is the clearest and most urgent sign that CPR is necessary to attempt to restore circulation and provide oxygen to the brain and other vital organs.