What is the appropriate action if a child is found unresponsive and you did not witness the collapse?

When a child is found unresponsive and you did not witness the collapse, the correct action is to provide 2 minutes of care before calling for help. This approach is based on the understanding that early CPR can significantly improve survival outcomes in cases of cardiac arrest, especially in children.

By starting with 2 minutes of care, which includes assessing the child and providing CPR if necessary, the caregiver initiates life-saving measures that ensure blood flow to vital organs. This is crucial before seeking additional assistance, as time can be critical in an emergency situation. After providing this immediate care, calling for help allows for more trained personnel or resources, such as an AED, to be brought to the scene while care continues, enhancing the effectiveness of the response.

In this context, leaving the child to find help or obtain an AED can delay necessary interventions. Starting CPR immediately without assessment might not fully utilize the time effectively, particularly if the situation does not warrant it (for example, if the child has an obstructed airway that could be alleviated instead). Therefore, engaging in care for the first 2 minutes ensures that the child receives critical support while help is being summoned.