North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

What is the first action to take when dealing with an unconscious choking infant?

1. Begin CPR

2. Check their airway

3. Call for emergency help

4. Look for foreign bodies in the mouth

The correct answer is: Begin CPR

The first action to take when dealing with an unconscious choking infant is to begin CPR. This is because when an infant is unconscious and not breathing due to choking, immediate intervention is critical to restore their breathing and circulation. CPR serves to provide artificial ventilation and maintain blood flow to vital organs until further help can be provided. When performing CPR on an unconscious choking infant, one would typically start with a series of rescue breaths followed by chest compressions. This approach not only helps to clear the airway and dislodge the obstruction but also ensures that the infant's brain and heart continue to receive oxygen. In situations like this, checking the airway or looking for foreign bodies in the mouth could also be necessary, but they should come after initiating compressions, especially if the child is unresponsive. Calling for emergency help is vital as well, but it can be done simultaneously with starting CPR or immediately after it has begun if someone else is available to make that call. Therefore, starting CPR is the most immediate and crucial step in this life-threatening situation.