What should you ensure about the environment before starting CPR?

Before starting CPR, it is essential to ensure that the environment is safe for both you and the victim. This precaution is crucial because, if the environment poses a risk to you, such as traffic, fire, or unstable surroundings, not only could you become a victim yourself, but your ability to assist the person in need could also be compromised. Safety enables you to effectively perform CPR without the distraction or danger of potential harm.

While aspects like lighting, having witnesses, and minimizing distractions do have their importance in the context of CPR, they become secondary to ensuring that the environment does not pose an immediate threat. An unsafe environment can lead to additional emergencies, hampering the lifesaving efforts that CPR aims to achieve.