How long should you assess a child for breathing before proceeding with CPR?

When assessing a child for breathing before proceeding with CPR, the recommended duration is no longer than 10 seconds. This is because a quick assessment is essential to determine if the child is breathing adequately or if immediate CPR is needed. Spending too much time assessing can delay the vital steps necessary to provide life-saving care.

During the initial assessment, the responder should look, listen, and feel for signs of breathing, such as the rise and fall of the chest or airflow at the mouth and nose. A 10-second timeframe strikes the right balance between allowing enough time to make an accurate assessment while ensuring that any potential delay in starting CPR does not jeopardize the child's chance of survival. If no normal breathing is detected within that time frame, CPR should be initiated immediately. This swift action is crucial, as early intervention can greatly improve the likelihood of a positive outcome in pediatric cardiac arrest situations.