Which situation gives you consent to perform CPR on a victim?

• A. An unresponsive adult
• B. A conscious adult who asks for CPR
• C. A minor who is with a parent
• D. A victim who is deceased

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that in a life-threatening emergency, you act under implied consent when the person cannot give explicit permission. An unresponsive adult cannot consent, so you assume they would want life-saving help and begin CPR after ensuring the scene is safe and help is on the way.

If the person is conscious and able to respond, you must obtain explicit consent before starting CPR, so asking for CPR doesn’t automatically authorize you to proceed—the person can decline. For a minor, a parent or guardian can provide consent, which is a valid pathway to start CPR, but it’s not the same as the implied consent that applies when someone is unresponsive. A victim who is deceased cannot consent to treatment, and CPR would not be appropriate.

So, the scenario that clearly provides consent to proceed without explicit permission is an unresponsive adult.