While performing the reassessment of a 2-year-old male who is severely dyspneic, you note that he is now unresponsive and not breathing. He has a heart rate of 32 beats per minute and his skin is cool and diaphoretic. What instruction would you provide to another EMT who is helping you transport the patient?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient is in cardiac arrest with a heart rate of 32 beats per minute and is not breathing. Immediate action is needed to start chest compressions and positive pressure ventilations as per the American Heart Association's guidelines for CPR. Blood pressure and humidified oxygen can be considered later, but the priority is to start resuscitation efforts. Calling medical direction may be done simultaneously or delegated to another provider. Increasing oxygen to 15 liters per minute is appropriate, but not the priority at this time.

While Performing the Reassessment of a 2-Year-Old Male Who Is