A 3-year-old child is found unresponsive and not breathing. A lone lay rescuer has started basic life support. According to Resuscitation Council UK, how should resuscitation begin?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Five initial rescue breaths, then 15 compressions to 2 breaths

  1. Step 1: Paediatric arrests are usually hypoxic, so ventilation comes first.
  2. Step 2: The UK paediatric BLS sequence opens the airway, gives five rescue breaths, then 15 compressions to two breaths for healthcare rescuers.
Answer
Five initial rescue breaths, then 15 compressions to 2 breaths.
Why not the others: Ten compressions followed by a single rescue breath every cycle: Ten compressions to one breath is not a recognised ratio. Thirty compressions first, then two rescue breaths with no initial breaths: Thirty compressions first is the adult starting sequence. Two minutes of compressions alone before checking the airway or giving any breaths: Compression-only for two minutes neglects the hypoxic cause of arrest.

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