Board of Legal SpecializationPractice Exam

In the case of a 9-year-old child in cardiac arrest without parental presence, what is the first action the second provider should take?

1. Begin CPR immediately

2. Retrieve AED and resuscitation equipment

3. Activate EMS or resuscitation team

4. Check for breathing and pulse

The correct answer is: Activate EMS or resuscitation team

In an emergency situation involving a 9-year-old child in cardiac arrest, the first action taken by the second provider should be to activate the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) or resuscitation team. This action is crucial because it ensures that professional medical help is on the way, which can significantly improve the child's chances of survival. Calling for EMS allows for the rapid deployment of additional resources and supports the chain of survival, which is vital in cardiac arrest scenarios. Once EMS is activated, the second provider can immediately assist with life-saving interventions, such as CPR or the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). By prioritizing the activation of emergency services, the provider lays the groundwork for comprehensive care that the child will need as soon as possible. Other actions, such as beginning CPR or checking for breathing and pulse, while important, are generally considered to follow the activation of EMS in this context. Activating EMS ensures that advanced medical support is en route while the first provider attends to immediate resuscitation efforts. Thus, initiating the call for help is a critical first step in responding to a pediatric cardiac arrest.