What would be the appropriate immediate action for an unconscious child who is not breathing?

In the scenario where an unconscious child is not breathing, the immediate and appropriate action is to begin CPR. This life-saving technique is crucial because the child is in a state of respiratory arrest, meaning that their heart may eventually stop if they are not provided with oxygenated blood quickly. Starting CPR within minutes can significantly improve the chances of survival and prevent brain damage caused by oxygen deprivation.

Initiating CPR involves performing chest compressions to maintain blood flow to vital organs and, if trained to do so, providing rescue breaths. This combined approach helps to circulate blood and deliver oxygen until emergency medical services arrive or the child starts breathing again.

While calling for emergency services is essential, it should ideally occur simultaneously with the start of CPR if you are alone. Time is critical in emergencies involving unresponsive patients, so delaying CPR to make a call can compromise the child's outcome.

Administering oxygen is important once rescue services arrive and can be done properly, but it cannot replace the immediate need for chest compressions in a situation where the child is not breathing. Elevating the legs might be useful in some medical situations to improve circulation, but this does not address the immediate threat of cardiac and respiratory arrest in an unconscious child. Hence, beginning CPR is the most appropriate