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Paediatric drowning arrest — DipIMC MCQ

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EasyResuscitationPaediatric drowning arrestDipIMC

A 6-year-old child is pulled from a pond after submersion and is unresponsive, not breathing normally and has no signs of life. A trained team is present with a bag-valve-mask. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: D — Open the airway and give five initial rescue breaths before starting chest compressions

Paediatric drowning is primarily hypoxic, so airway opening and five initial rescue breaths are a key early step before compressions. Compression-only CPR is less suitable for hypoxic paediatric arrest when ventilations can be delivered. Adrenaline and defibrillation follow ALS indications after CPR and rhythm assessment. The pearl is that drowning reverses the usual adult emphasis by making effective ventilation urgent from the start.

Reference: Resuscitation Council UK Paediatric Guidelines 2025; JRCALC Guidelines 2025