What is the first action to take when you find a child who is unresponsive with no normal breathing?

• A. Start high-quality CPR immediately (compressions with breaths if trained) and call for help.
• B. Check for a pulse for 10 seconds before acting.
• C. Wait for professional help to arrive before starting CPR.
• D. Perform rescue breaths only until help arrives.

Answer: (A)

When a child is unresponsive and not breathing normally, the priority is to start high-quality CPR immediately and get help on the way. In pediatric emergencies, keeping blood circulating and delivering oxygen to vital organs is time-critical, so delaying to check a pulse can waste precious seconds and those checks are often unreliable in a chaotic scene. By beginning CPR right away, you start chest compressions to maintain circulation, and if you’re trained, you can add rescue breaths to restore oxygenation. At the same time, summon emergency services so advanced care can arrive as soon as possible. Waiting for professional help before acting or doing only rescue breaths would miss the essential need to restore circulation. If you’re trained, follow the CPR ratio appropriate for a single rescuer (compressions with breaths) and switch techniques as needed, continuing until help arrives or the child shows signs of life.