If a child responds but is not breathing, what should you do?

When a child responds but is not breathing, the appropriate action is to provide rescue breaths. This is critical because even if the child is conscious, the absence of breathing indicates that their airway may not be properly ventilated. Rescue breaths help to ensure that enough oxygen is being delivered to the lungs and then to the bloodstream, which is essential for sustaining vital organ function until emergency services can take over or the child starts breathing on their own.

In the context of basic life support, monitoring the pulse and placing the child in the recovery position may not address the immediate need for breathing support. Starting chest compressions is not indicated when the child has a response, as compressions are typically reserved for cases where there is no pulse or unresponsiveness. Therefore, providing rescue breaths is a vital action that directly addresses the critical issue of inadequate ventilation while keeping the child's condition stable.