What is crucial to do before giving breaths during CPR on an unresponsive infant?

Before giving breaths during CPR on an unresponsive infant, it is essential to check for any obstructions in the airway. The airway must be clear to ensure that the breaths can enter the lungs effectively. An obstruction, such as food, toys, or other materials, can prevent air from reaching the infant's lungs, rendering the rescue breaths ineffective.

In the context of CPR, if the airway is obstructed, attempts to give breaths would not only be futile but could also worsen the situation by pushing the obstruction further down the airway. Therefore, assessing for obstructions is a critical step that ensures that the airway is open before proceeding with the rescue breaths.

Other options suggest actions that either do not directly address airway management or are not actionable in a timely manner—for example, waiting for emergency responders would unnecessarily delay lifesaving efforts, and keeping the infant in a standing position is contraindicated for performing CPR effectively. Instead, the appropriate position is to place the infant on a firm, flat surface, allowing for effective compressions and ventilations.