A child is unresponsive after you tap and shout, 'Are you ok?' What is your next step?

A child is unresponsive after you tap and shout, 'Are you ok?' What is your next step?

• A. For 5 to 10 seconds, look for no breathing or gasping while simultaneously checking the carotid pulse
• B. Immediately begin chest compressions for 2 minutes
• C. Check for pulse for 60 seconds
• D. Call emergency services and wait

Answer: (A)

Start with a quick check of both breathing and circulation. In a child who is unresponsive, quickly look for normal breathing and simultaneously feel for a pulse for about 5–10 seconds. If there is no breathing and no pulse, begin chest compressions right away. If a pulse is present but the child isn’t breathing normally, provide rescue breaths. This rapid combined check prevents delaying action or continuing CPR when a pulse still exists, and avoids waiting too long to decide what to do. Checking for a pulse for a full minute would waste precious seconds, and starting compressions without confirming the pulse could be inappropriate if a pulse is present. Calling for help should happen as part of the process, but it doesn’t replace the need to assess breathing and pulse immediately.

Start with a quick check of both breathing and circulation. In a child who is unresponsive, quickly look for normal breathing and simultaneously feel for a pulse for about 5–10 seconds. If there is no breathing and no pulse, begin chest compressions right away. If a pulse is present but the child isn’t breathing normally, provide rescue breaths.

This rapid combined check prevents delaying action or continuing CPR when a pulse still exists, and avoids waiting too long to decide what to do. Checking for a pulse for a full minute would waste precious seconds, and starting compressions without confirming the pulse could be inappropriate if a pulse is present. Calling for help should happen as part of the process, but it doesn’t replace the need to assess breathing and pulse immediately.