After completing 5 cycles of CPR for a child or baby and EMS has not arrived, what should you do?

• A. Call EMS
• B. Use AED
• C. Check pulse
• D. Continue cycles

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is that getting professional help on the scene is the top priority during pediatric CPR. After you’ve completed those five cycles, if EMS hasn’t arrived, you should summon emergency medical services immediately to bring advanced care and equipment to the scene. Activating EMS ensures you have rapid access to trained responders and, if available, an AED. If someone else is with you, have them make the call while you continue CPR; if you’re alone, make the call yourself without stopping chest compressions. Using an AED should be done as soon as it’s available, but it doesn’t replace the need to call for help. Also, avoid pausing to check a pulse during CPR, since pulse checks can interrupt compressions and are not reliable in this context.