Ryanair Initial Practice Exam

If an unconscious child is not breathing, what should you do first?

1. Check for a pulse

2. Start CPR immediately

3. Call for help

4. Administer oxygen

The correct answer is: Start CPR immediately

Starting CPR immediately is the appropriate action when encountering an unconscious child who is not breathing. This is crucial because the primary goal is to restore the child's circulation and maintain blood flow to vital organs, particularly the brain and heart. If breathing has ceased, the risk of irreversible brain damage increases significantly with each passing moment. By beginning CPR right away, you are providing both chest compressions and, if trained, rescue breaths, which can help re-establish circulation and oxygenation. This prompt response can be lifesaving and often makes the difference in outcomes during such emergencies. In this context, while checking for a pulse, calling for help, or administering oxygen may also be necessary steps in a complete response plan, they are secondary to the immediate need to perform CPR. Time is critical in these situations, so initiating compressions can be the most effective immediate intervention to increase the child's chances of survival.