A child is in cardiac arrest with unknown downtime. What should you do immediately?

In a situation involving a child in cardiac arrest with an unknown downtime, the priority is to begin high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately. This is crucial because it helps to maintain blood flow to vital organs, particularly the brain and heart, until definitive care can be provided.

Starting CPR while simultaneously preparing to attach an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is an effective strategy. CPR helps to maintain perfusion and can increase the chances of successful defibrillation later once the AED is ready to analyze the heart rhythm. The guidance from the American Heart Association emphasizes the importance of early CPR and defibrillation for improving outcomes in cardiac arrest cases.

While other actions such as providing ventilation or initiating transport might be considered in different scenarios, they do not take precedence over beginning CPR in this critical window. Defibrillation may not be immediately necessary or possible if CPR hasn't been initiated, and transport without first attempting resuscitation may result in further deterioration of the child's condition. Therefore, starting CPR and preparing the AED should be the immediate first step in this life-threatening situation.