What is the recommended action if airway compromise persists or ventilation remains inadequate after basic maneuvers?

• A. Proceed with RSI and intubation if trained
• B. Increase compression depth
• C. Stop resuscitation
• D. Wait for spontaneous breathing

Answer: (A)

When airway compromise persists or ventilation remains inadequate after basic maneuvers, the next step is to secure a definitive airway by performing rapid sequence intubation and endotracheal intubation if you are trained to do so. Securing the airway gives you a patent passage for effective ventilation and oxygen delivery, which is crucial for maintaining circulation during pediatric CPR. RSI allows rapid, controlled placement with minimized interruption to chest compressions and helps reduce aspiration risk, provided the team has the necessary training, equipment, and monitoring. If intubation isn’t feasible or safe, transition to an alternative airway device and continue effective ventilation. The other choices fail to address the airway and ventilation problem: deeper compressions don’t solve a blocked or poorly ventilated airway, stopping resuscitation stops the chance of recovery, and waiting for spontaneous breathing neglects the ongoing need for ventilation during arrest.