Board of Legal SpecializationPractice Exam

Upon discovering a collapsed child in cardiac arrest with no means to call for help, what should you do first?

1. Activate EMS immediately

2. Perform about 2 minutes of CPR, starting with chest compressions

3. Search for a nearby adult to help

4. Wait for the child to respond

The correct answer is: Perform about 2 minutes of CPR, starting with chest compressions

In the scenario of a child discovered in cardiac arrest with no means to call for help, the priority is to provide immediate assistance to the child. Performing CPR, specifically starting with chest compressions, is crucial in this situation. The rationale for beginning CPR right away is that the child’s heart is not effectively pumping blood, which is vital for maintaining oxygen supply to the brain and other organs. By performing about 2 minutes of CPR, you can help sustain vital circulation until emergency responders can be reached. This immediate action can significantly increase the chances of survival and minimize the risk of long-term damage due to lack of oxygen. Since the child is already unresponsive and in cardiac arrest, waiting or searching for another person, or even activating EMS first, would delay the crucial life-saving actions that need to start right away. In emergency situations, especially with children, the chain of survival emphasizes the importance of early CPR and defibrillation. Time is of the essence, and the sooner appropriate care is initiated, the better the outcomes will likely be. Thus, starting CPR immediately after discovering the child is the most effective first step to take.