In a witnessed collapse of a pediatric patient with no breathing, what is the first action to take?

In the scenario of a witnessed collapse of a pediatric patient who is not breathing, the first action should be to activate the emergency response system and get an AED. This is crucial because timely access to advanced medical resources can significantly improve the outcome for the pediatric patient in cardiac arrest. The pediatric population can deteriorate quickly, and early recognition of the need for help is vital. Calling for emergency assistance ensures that trained personnel are on their way while you can begin immediate lifesaving actions.

Additionally, activating the emergency response system allows for quicker advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) intervention, which is necessary for the management of the pediatric patient who is unresponsive and not breathing. It is also essential to obtain an AED as it can provide critical assessments and interventions such as defibrillation if necessary.

In pediatric cases, first responders often prioritize establishing a system for advanced support over immediate action like starting CPR or checking for a pulse because the window of time for effective intervention is limited. By calling for help first, the responder ensures that comprehensive care will arrive shortly, thereby maximizing the chances of survival and recovery for the patient.