If you find an infant or a child that has a pulse greater than 60 but not breathing, what should you do?

Master Maryland EMT Protocols with a variety of quiz formats. Tackle multiple choice questions and flashcards for comprehensive understanding. Ace your EMT exam!

When an infant or child has a pulse greater than 60 beats per minute but is not breathing, the appropriate action is to give rescue breaths. This is because the child still has a viable pulse, indicating that the heart is functioning, but the lack of breathing means that oxygen is not being delivered to the body effectively.

Administering rescue breaths can provide the necessary oxygenation that the child needs without compromising cardiac function. The goal in this situation is to maintain oxygenation while monitoring the pulse and general condition of the patient. If the child does not respond to the rescue breaths or if the pulse drops below 60 beats per minute, then chest compressions may become necessary.

While checking the airway for obstructions can be an important step in managing an unconscious patient, it's particularly effective in cases where the airway might be compromised. If the pulse is present, as noted, focus should be first on providing ventilations since they are essential for treating the immediate breathing problem. Calling for assistance is always a prudent step, but in this scenario, the most direct intervention is to give rescue breaths as the primary action.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy