According to the JumpSTART triage system, if a pediatric patient is not breathing, what should you do next?

In the JumpSTART triage system, when a pediatric patient is found not to be breathing, the next step is to check for a pulse. This is a critical step in the assessment process as it helps to determine the child's level of responsiveness and whether resuscitation efforts should be initiated. If a pulse is present, the focus may shift to attempting to open the airway or providing rescue breaths, depending on the patient's condition. Conversely, if no pulse is detected alongside the absence of breathing, immediate resuscitation efforts would be warranted to potentially restore circulation and breathing.

This approach is especially important in a triage scenario, where quick decisions can significantly impact survival. Therefore, checking for a pulse is essential; it directly informs the level of intervention required before proceeding with more definitive treatments or reassessments.