New York State Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Practice Exam

What should be done before resuming CPR when you return to a child or infant after getting the AED?

1. Check for a response

2. Perform rescue breathing

3. Ensure the area is clear

4. Resume CPR immediately

The correct answer is: Resume CPR immediately

The appropriate action to take before resuming CPR on a child or infant after retrieving an automated external defibrillator (AED) is to check for the presence of a pulse and a response. However, if it has been determined that the child is still unresponsive and shows no signs of circulation after the initial assessment, CPR should be resumed immediately as indicated in the standard guidelines for managing cases of cardiac arrest. When you return to the child or infant with the AED, the immediate need is to continue resuscitation efforts without delay. The rationale is that any interruption in CPR can significantly decrease the chances of survival; therefore, returning to CPR is essential to maintain blood circulation and oxygenation until the defibrillator can be used. While ensuring the area is clear is important for safety, and checking for a response and pulse is a crucial assessment step, when a healthcare provider has already determined the child is unresponsive and in need of life-sustaining measures, priority is given to resuming CPR. Prompt initiation of compressions is vital in the chain of survival for pediatric patients experiencing cardiac arrest.