North Carolina EMT-Basic (EMT-B) State Practice Exam

The primary focus of CPR performed on a child emphasizes airway and breathing because children are particularly susceptible to respiratory problems, which often lead to cardiac arrest. When performing CPR on a child, ensuring an open and clear airway is essential; this is because any obstruction can prevent effective breathing and subsequent oxygenation of the blood.

In children, cardiac arrest often results from a lack of oxygen due to respiratory failure rather than from a primary cardiac event, which is more prevalent in adults. Therefore, ensuring effective ventilations and addressing the airway is the focal point of pediatric CPR.

While circulation is also important, especially when considering the delivery of oxygen to vital organs, the immediate priority in a child experiencing a medical emergency often begins with ensuring that they can breathe adequately. This is why the approach differs from that used for adults, where there might be a more significant emphasis on circulation and defibrillation during early CPR efforts.