When should an Emergency Medical Dispatcher begin providing CPR instructions?

Beginning CPR instructions is imperative when a caller reports unresponsiveness and abnormal breathing, as these signs typically indicate that the patient is in cardiac arrest or experiencing a life-threatening emergency. Unresponsiveness means the patient is not awake or alert, while abnormal breathing can signal severe distress or the potential cessation of effective respiration. The situation necessitates immediate action to increase the chances of survival, as prompt CPR can maintain blood flow to vital organs until emergency medical services arrive.

Other choices do not provide the same critical indicators for initiating CPR. Mentioning a heart condition could imply an ongoing issue but does not indicate immediate need for CPR without additional signs of distress. Witnesses being present does not alter the need for action; the focus must be on the patient's condition. Lastly, CPR is essential for patients of all ages, not solely children, so age alone should not dictate the response. In summary, unresponsiveness and abnormal breathing are determinative factors for an immediate CPR response.