What should you do immediately after calling for emergency help if you are alone with a child in cardiac arrest?

Immediately after calling for emergency help, performing chest compressions is crucial in the case of a child in cardiac arrest. Chest compressions maintain blood flow to vital organs, particularly the heart and brain, until professional help arrives or until an automated external defibrillator (AED) can be applied.

In a situation where time is of the essence, starting compressions as soon as possible is important because the heart is no longer effectively pumping blood. Providing compressions at an adequate depth and rate can significantly improve the chances of survival by helping to circulate oxygenated blood to the body's critical areas.

This approach is consistent with guidelines that emphasize the importance of initiating CPR without delay in instances of cardiac arrest, especially when alone with a child. While checking for a pulse, applying an AED, or providing breaths may be part of the resuscitation process, the priority remains on delivering immediate chest compressions to sustain circulation until advanced help arrives.