What is the first thing a person should do before beginning CPR?

1. Check the scene.

Before you begin CPR, it's important to make sure the scene is safe. This means:

- Looking around for any hazards, such as traffic or downed power lines

- Making sure you are not in danger of being harmed by the victim or the environment

2. Check the person for responsiveness.

Once you have determined that the scene is safe, you can check the person for responsiveness. This can be done by:

- Gently shaking and shouting to the person, "Are you okay?"

- If the person does not respond, they are considered unconscious

3. Open the person's airway.

The next step is to open the person's airway. This can be done by:

- Tilting the head back slightly

- Lifting the chin up

4. Give two rescue breaths.

Once the person's airway is open, you can give them two rescue breaths. To do this:

- Pinch the person's nose shut

- Cover their mouth with your mouth and blow until their chest rises

- Give two breaths each time

5. Begin chest compressions.

If the person does not start breathing after two rescue breaths, you need to begin chest compressions. To do this:

- Place the heel of one hand on the center of the person's chest, between the nipples

- Place your other hand over your first hand and interlock your fingers

- Push hard and fast, aiming for a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute

- Allow the chest to recoil between compressions

Continue CPR until emergency medical help arrives.

Continue chest compressions and rescue breaths until emergency medical help arrives. Do not stop CPR unless the person starts breathing or moving.