Question

You come upon a child who has collapsed. You determine they are in cardiac arrest. You are alone and have no immediate access to a phone or other form of communication. Which action would you do first?

-Perform about 2 minutes of CPR, starting with chest compressions.
-Deliver 2 initial ventilations followed by 30 chest compressions.
-Place the child in a recovery position and leave them to activate the resuscitation team.
-Carry the child out to an area where there is a phone or additional providers to assist.

Answer 1

When you find a child in cardiac arrest, start with 2 minutes of high-quality chest compressions before seeking help. Chest compressions should be performed at a rate of 100 per minute with correct hand placement on the sternum to maintain blood flow, especially to the brain. Certification in CPR is recommended for accurate technique application.

Step-by-step explanation:

Steps to Take if a Child Collapses and Requires CPR

If you come upon a child who has collapsed and is in cardiac arrest, the first action to take if you are alone without immediate access to a phone is to perform about 2 minutes of CPR, starting with chest compressions. It is important to provide high-quality chest compressions by pushing the chest at least 5 cm deep at a rate of about 100 compressions per minute. This emergency procedure could maintain the flow of blood to vital organs, particularly the brain, until professional help can be obtained or until the heart resumes beating. Proper hand positioning on the sternum is critical to perform CPR effectively and safely. After performing CPR for 2 minutes, if there is still no response, you should then attempt to get help or find a phone to call emergency services.

It should be noted that while ventilations are a part of CPR, the emphasis for untrained individuals has shifted towards achieving high-quality chest compressions. This is due to the critical nature of maintaining circulation and hence oxygen delivery, especially to the brain. Performing chest compressions correctly can increase the chances of survival and should be continued until help arrives or a medical professional takes over.

In the case of a drowning, it's important to first remove the individual from the water before starting CPR. Remember to avoid causing further harm by ensuring that your hands are placed correctly on the sternum and not too low, to prevent injuries such as broken ribs or damage to the liver. Getting certified in CPR is highly recommended for the public, as it educates individuals on the correct techniques and can be crucial in saving lives.