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Drowning – cardiac arrest — RACP Paediatrics MCQ

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EasyEmergencyDrowning – cardiac arrestRACP Paediatrics

A 2-year-old is pulled from a backyard swimming pool. The child is unresponsive with no breathing and no pulse. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

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Correct answer: C — Commence CPR (15:2 ratio)

Paediatric drowning victims who are unresponsive with no breathing and no pulse require immediate CPR. The recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for paediatric BLS (with 2 rescuers) is 15:2 per ANZCOR guidelines. Five initial rescue breaths should be given before commencing compressions. Drowning is primarily a respiratory arrest; ventilation is the priority.

Reference: ANZCOR – 2024 – Paediatric BLS and ALS Guidelines; RCH Melbourne – 2023 – Submersion/Drowning CPG