If no pulse is detected within how many seconds should CPR be initiated in an emergency?

• A. 10 seconds
• B. 5 seconds
• C. 20 seconds
• D. 30 seconds

Answer: (A)

The main idea is to start CPR as soon as you cannot reliably detect a pulse, and you should do the pulse check for no more than 10 seconds. If no pulse is found within that brief check, begin chest compressions immediately to restore perfusion to the brain and heart. Delaying beyond 10 seconds reduces chances of survival, while checking for too short a time (like 5 seconds) may miss a true pulse, and waiting 20 or 30 seconds would waste critical seconds of blood flow. In practice, perform a quick pulse check (up to 10 seconds); if you’re not certain a pulse is present or if there’s no normal breathing, start CPR right away.