What is the first step when providing CPR to a child or infant?

The first step when providing CPR to a child or infant is to check for responsiveness. Assessing responsiveness helps determine if the child or infant is conscious or needs immediate assistance. It involves gently shaking the child or infant and calling out to see if they respond. This step is crucial because it establishes if the person is indeed unresponsive and in need of CPR.

Ensuring an open airway, calling for emergency services, or beginning chest compressions are important components of the CPR process but come after determining that the child or infant is unresponsive. If the child or infant is responsive, then the situation may require different actions, such as comforting the child or resolving a non-life-threatening condition instead of starting CPR.