During CPR for a child, after checking the airway, what should you do next if the child is unresponsive?

When a child is unresponsive and you've already checked the airway, the next critical step is to call for help and initiate CPR. This protocol is based on the understanding that when someone is unresponsive, they may not be breathing effectively or may not have a pulse, requiring immediate action to restore normal heart and respiratory function.

Calling for help ensures that additional emergency responders are alerted and can arrive as quickly as possible, which is vital for the child's survival. Simultaneously starting CPR helps maintain blood circulation and oxygenation to vital organs until professional help arrives. This action can make a significant difference in the outcome, especially in emergency situations where every second counts.

In contrast, the other options provided, such as giving back blows, checking for a pulse, or administering rescue breaths, are not the immediate next steps when faced with an unresponsive child. Back blows are typically used for choking victims, checking for a pulse might take precious time away from providing CP as the focus should be on maintaining circulation, and administering rescue breaths alone isn't appropriate without CPR being initiated first. Therefore, calling for help and starting CPR is the most effective and life-saving course of action in this scenario.