What action should a rescuer take if they notice foreign bodies in the mouth of an unresponsive child?

The appropriate action when a rescuer notices foreign bodies in the mouth of an unresponsive child is to remove them carefully. When a child is unresponsive, obstructed airways due to foreign objects pose a significant risk of respiratory distress or failure. By addressing the obstruction promptly, the rescuer helps to restore or maintain the child’s airway.

Careful removal of foreign bodies is critical because forcing them further down the throat can exacerbate the situation and make it more difficult to clear the airway. If the child is unresponsive and breathing is compromised, removing the obstruction can provide the best chance for them to begin breathing on their own before the initiation of further interventions.

In contrast, calling EMS first could delay the necessary intervention that could save the child's life. Starting CPR immediately without addressing the obstruction may lead to ineffective compressions or worsen the situation if the airway is not cleared. Checking for breathing is important, but if the airway is obstructed, the immediate focus should be on removing any foreign bodies to restore the airway before any further assessment or actions are taken.