You are approaching an unresponsive child at the base of the monkey bars; he is unresponsive and there are no signs of breathing. You should:

You are approaching an unresponsive child at the base of the monkey bars; he is unresponsive and there are no signs of breathing. You should:

• A. Stabilize his head and check for a pulse.
• B. Begin chest compressions immediately.
• C. Deliver rescue breaths only.
• D. Move the child to a backboard without checking pulses.

Answer: (A)

When a child is unresponsive after a potential injury, the priority is to protect the spine while quickly assessing breathing and circulation. Immobilizing the head and neck right away helps prevent further harm if there’s a neck or spinal injury. At the same time, you should quickly check for a pulse to decide the next step: no pulse means you start chest compressions immediately; a pulse with no breathing means you provide rescue breaths. Because the child is not breathing, you still need to know whether a pulse is present to determine whether to begin CPR or just give breaths. Stabilizing the head and checking for a pulse is the correct first move.

When a child is unresponsive after a potential injury, the priority is to protect the spine while quickly assessing breathing and circulation. Immobilizing the head and neck right away helps prevent further harm if there’s a neck or spinal injury. At the same time, you should quickly check for a pulse to decide the next step: no pulse means you start chest compressions immediately; a pulse with no breathing means you provide rescue breaths. Because the child is not breathing, you still need to know whether a pulse is present to determine whether to begin CPR or just give breaths. Stabilizing the head and checking for a pulse is the correct first move.