Final answer:
The correct initial steps when arriving at the side of an unconscious infant or child are to assess responsiveness and check for breathing. These actions are crucial for determining the need for immediate medical attention such as CPR, after ensuring the rescuer can safely intervene.
Step-by-step explanation:
Immediate Steps for an Unconscious Infant or Child
Upon arriving at the side of an unconscious infant or child, the first rescuer should perform the following steps almost simultaneously to quickly assess the situation and provide the needed help:
- Assess responsiveness by gently tapping and talking to the infant or child to see if there's any reaction.
- Check for breathing by looking for chest movements, listening for breath sounds, and feeling for breath on your cheek.
The correct answer to the question is c. Both a and b, meaning both assessing responsiveness and checking for breathing are the initial steps one should take when first arriving to help the unconscious infant or child. These actions are vital as they can establish whether there's an immediate need for resuscitation efforts, such as CPR, or other measures. It is equally important to ensure that the scenario is safe for the rescuer to intervene, addressing the potential risks to the rescuer themselves.
Remember, myths such as starting CPR immediately on a drowning person before removing them from the water are incorrect. The first priority is to remove the person from the water, as CPR is not effective in water. Once on stable ground, CPR can be initiated if necessary. This applies to Apgar criteria as well where heart rate and respiration are critical measurements for a newborn's immediate medical attention. Regardless of circumstances, effective and timely response after ensuring a safe environment can greatly increase the chances of survival and recovery for an unconscious infant or child.