Paediatric BLS — DipIMC MCQ

Correct answer: E — Give rescue breaths then start 15:2 CPR

E is correct: Paediatric arrest is commonly hypoxic, so initial rescue breaths and a 15:2 compression-ventilation ratio are recommended for trained responders. A is less suitable because analgesia is important but does not replace the first physiological intervention; B is less suitable because pre-alert is needed when definitive teams must prepare; C is less suitable because it moves the patient before the decisive threat or destination issue is addressed; D is less suitable because it does not address the discriminator in the vignette. The most tempting alternative is therefore suboptimal because it either delays the time-critical pre-hospital intervention or sends the patient to the wrong level of care. The key DipIMC principle is focused cABCDE decision-making with early pre-alert, triage or retrieval escalation when the scene physiology demands it.

Reference: Resuscitation Council UK Guidelines 2025; JRCALC Guidelines