What should you do if you check the child's pulse after 2 minutes of providing rescue breaths and cannot feel a pulse?

If you check a child's pulse after providing rescue breaths for 2 minutes and cannot feel a pulse, the correct course of action is to start CPR immediately.

In the case of a child who is unresponsive and not breathing normally, giving rescue breaths alone will not be sufficient if there is no pulse. The absence of a pulse indicates that the child's heart is not effectively pumping blood, which requires immediate intervention to restore circulation. CPR involves both chest compressions and rescue breaths, and it is crucial to begin this process quickly to maintain blood flow to vital organs, particularly the brain.

By starting CPR immediately, you are providing the best chance of survival. This approach allows for improved chances of re-establishing a pulse and restoring normal heart function, as timely intervention is critical in cardiac arrest situations. Additionally, if an AED becomes available, it should be used as soon as possible to analyze the heart rhythm and potentially deliver a shock, but CPR should take priority when no pulse is detected.