What is the first step in BLS Pediatric CPR?

The first step in BLS Pediatric CPR is to begin High-Performance CPR. High-Performance CPR focuses on delivering high-quality chest compressions and rescue breaths in a coordinated and efficient manner. This is crucial in pediatric patients because every second counts when responding to a cardiac arrest emergency, and effective CPR is the foundation of resuscitation efforts.

Initiating High-Performance CPR ensures that high-quality compressions are delivered immediately, providing crucial blood flow to vital organs, including the brain and heart, until advanced help or an automated external defibrillator (AED) becomes available. The emphasis on high performance refers to aspects such as the rate and depth of compressions, complete chest recoil, and minimizing interruptions in compressions, which have been shown to significantly improve survival outcomes in pediatric arrests.

Other options may involve important actions, but they do not represent the immediate first step necessary to begin the resuscitation process effectively.