What initial assessment should be made before starting CPR?

Determining if the child or infant is breathing is a critical initial assessment before starting CPR. This step helps establish whether the individual requires immediate respiratory support or resuscitation efforts. If the person is not breathing or is only gasping, it indicates that CPR should be initiated as soon as possible to maintain oxygenation and prevent serious neurological damage or death.

The primary goal in any emergency situation is to identify whether the person is in need of life-saving measures, and assessing breathing accomplishes that. If breathing is normal, CPR can typically be deferred, allowing for other interventions to be considered, such as calling emergency services or assessing for other potential issues. By focusing on breathing first, responders can make informed decisions about the urgency and nature of the care needed.

While evaluating whether an individual is awake, examining surroundings, or measuring a pulse are important elements in other assessments, they are not as immediate as assessing breath when initiating CPR. Proper prioritization is essential in emergency situations, ensuring that lifesaving action is taken in the correct sequence.