If you are alone with an adult and need to start CPR, when should you call 911?

The correct approach when performing CPR on an adult alone involves calling 911 after performing one minute of CPR. This is based on recommendations that prioritize high-quality CPR as soon as possible while ensuring that emergency services are also alerted promptly.

By performing one minute of CPR first, you maximize the chances of maintaining circulation and oxygenation to critical organs, particularly the brain and heart, which is essential during a cardiac arrest. This minute can be crucial as it allows for immediate intervention that can lead to improved outcomes for the patient.

After one minute of CPR, at that point, calling 911 is vital to ensure that professional help is on the way while you continue to provide care. If you were to call immediately before starting CPR, that initial moment of critical intervention would be lost, which could make a significant difference in the survival chances of the individual in cardiac arrest. Additionally, checking for breathing can consume valuable time that could be better spent delivering CPR, as individuals in cardiac arrest will not be breathing normally. Thus, the sequence of actions is designed to provide swift assistance while also ensuring emergency help is en route as early as possible.