After determining that a child is unresponsive, what is the next critical step?

When a child is determined to be unresponsive, the immediate priority is ensuring that emergency medical services are alerted as quickly as possible. Telling a bystander to call 911 is essential because it initiates the process of bringing help to the scene, which can be crucial in a life-threatening situation.

This step is particularly important in the pediatric population, as time-sensitive interventions can significantly influence outcomes in cases of cardiac arrest or other critical conditions. While assessing breathing is important and may follow the call for help, the first critical action should always be to ensure that trained professionals are on their way to provide advanced medical care.

Starting CPR and administering oxygen are vital components of the emergency response, but they should occur after calling for help. Without activating emergency services, there might be a delay in receiving the necessary clinical support, ultimately increasing the risk to the child.