What constitutes a victim that requires high-quality CPR?

The correct choice is based on the recognition of a cardiac arrest situation, which is critical when determining the need for high-quality CPR. A victim who exhibits no normal breathing and no pulse is in cardiac arrest, representing a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate action. High-quality CPR provides critical support for the heart and brain by ensuring that blood continues to circulate until professional medical help arrives or until an automated external defibrillator (AED) can be utilized.

In cases where there is a weak pulse, breathing irregularly, or the victim is responsive but in distress, the situation does not warrant the same immediate need for CPR. A weak pulse may still indicate the heart is working to some degree, and irregular breathing does not necessarily mean absence of breath. A responsive individual, even if in distress, may require other forms of first aid or medical intervention but does not require the initiation of high-quality CPR. Therefore, the absence of both breathing and pulse clearly indicates the necessity for immediate CPR to preserve life.