What is the first step in paediatric basic life support for a child who is unresponsive and not breathing normally?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Open the airway and give five initial rescue breaths
- Step 1: Most childhood arrests have a respiratory cause, so oxygenation is a priority. Step 2. UK paediatric guidance begins with five rescue breaths, then checking for signs of life and moving on to 15 compressions to 2 breaths. Answer: Open the airway and give five initial rescue breaths. Why not the others: Starting with 30 compressions is the adult sequence. A precordial thump is not recommended. Delay waiting for a defibrillator wastes time in a typically hypoxic arrest.
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