If you find a child who has collapsed, is not breathing normally, and does not have a pulse, what is your first action if you are alone?

When encountering a child who has collapsed and shows no signs of breathing or pulse, the first action for someone who is alone is to perform about 2 minutes of CPR, starting with chest compressions. This is critical because immediate chest compressions can help maintain blood flow to vital organs, which is essential in a cardiac arrest situation.

Starting CPR right away increases the chances of survival significantly. In the case of a child, performing high-quality chest compressions can help create some circulation, delivering oxygenated blood to the heart and brain until emergency services arrive or until you are able to call for help.

While calling for emergency services, checking for breathing, or looking for an AED are important steps in the overall response to a cardiac event, they should not delay the initiation of CPR. The urgency of starting chest compressions supersedes other actions because every second counts in a life-threatening situation like this.