Final answer:
When a child has a pulse but is not breathing, begin CPR and focus on providing breaths. Prompt CPR is vital for maintaining blood flow to the heart and brain. Adequate compressions are done by pushing on the sternum in line with current CPR standards.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a child is unresponsive and not breathing but has a pulse, the appropriate action after opening the airway and providing age-appropriate ventilations is to begin CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) focusing on providing breaths without chest compressions since the child has a pulse. CPR can help maintain vital blood flow to the heart and brain until more advanced medical help arrives. It is important to continue CPR until the child regains spontaneous breathing and movements, or until trained healthcare professionals take over.
Resuscitation measures are critical in critical life threatening situations, especially in cases related to drowning or choking. In circumstances where an individual is drowning, it is essential to remove them from the water before starting CPR. Prompt and effective CPR could prove life-saving, as irreversible brain damage or death can occur within minutes of losing blood flow to the brain.
Everyday Connection
CPR that is performed properly can greatly increase the chances of survival after cardiac arrest. The emergency technique involves pressing on the sternum between the T4 and T9 vertebrae to manually compress the heart, promoting blood circulation into the pulmonary and systemic circuits, which is crucial for brain health. As recommended by current standards, chest compressions should be at least 5 cm deep and at a rate of 100 compressions per minute, following the rhythm of the song "Staying Alive" by the Bee Gees.