Question

A small child fell through ice when skating. After 20 minutes, the child is pulled out of the water apneic and pulseless. What is your first action?

(A) keep the child cool to maintain the mammalian dive reflex.
(B) defibrillate the child immediately.
(C) pronounce the child dead at the scene.
(D) secure the child's airway and control the cervical spine.

Answer 1

The first action in this situation is to secure the child's airway and control the cervical spine.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a small child falls through ice and is pulled out of the water apneic and pulseless, the first action should be to secure the child's airway and control the cervical spine. This is important to ensure that there is a clear airway for breathing and to prevent any further injury to the child's neck or spine. Once the airway is secured, CPR should be started immediately to initiate circulation and provide oxygen to the child's brain and vital organs.