In a pediatric collapse scenario, after confirming that the scene is safe, a single rescuer determines the child is in cardiac arrest, shouts for nearby help, and activates the emergency response system. What is the next action?

In a pediatric collapse scenario, after confirming that the scene is safe, a single rescuer determines the child is in cardiac arrest, shouts for nearby help, and activates the emergency response system. What is the next action?

• A. Begin high-quality CPR immediately
• B. Check for a pulse
• C. Deliver breaths only
• D. Wait for a second rescuer to arrive

Answer: (A)

The main action is to start high-quality CPR right away. In a child who is in cardiac arrest, maintaining blood flow to the brain and heart is the top priority, and you do that by delivering chest compressions with rescue breaths. Since you’re alone, you activate EMS and begin CPR immediately rather than waiting to check for a pulse or to get another rescuer. Deliver cycles of compressions and breaths (30 compressions to 2 breaths) to provide both circulation and oxygenation. Delaying CPR by checking for a pulse or waiting for help would waste precious time; delivering breaths only won’t create the necessary circulation; waiting for another rescuer would delay lifesaving work.

The main action is to start high-quality CPR right away. In a child who is in cardiac arrest, maintaining blood flow to the brain and heart is the top priority, and you do that by delivering chest compressions with rescue breaths. Since you’re alone, you activate EMS and begin CPR immediately rather than waiting to check for a pulse or to get another rescuer. Deliver cycles of compressions and breaths (30 compressions to 2 breaths) to provide both circulation and oxygenation. Delaying CPR by checking for a pulse or waiting for help would waste precious time; delivering breaths only won’t create the necessary circulation; waiting for another rescuer would delay lifesaving work.