What should you do for a 5-month-old infant who is unresponsive and gasping?

When confronted with an unresponsive infant who is gasping, the most appropriate action is to start high-quality CPR. Infants have unique physiological responses, and gasping indicates that the infant is not adequately breathing, which can lead to severe complications.

Initiating CPR is vital because it helps maintain circulation and oxygenation to vital organs, especially the brain, until advanced medical care can arrive. CPR for infants is performed differently than for adults, involving gentle compressions and proper airway management based on their size and anatomy. Starting CPR as quickly as possible can significantly improve the chances of survival and recovery for the infant.

In contrast, performing back blows or placing the infant in the recovery position would not be effective in this situation as they do not address the need for immediate circulation support. Waiting for emergency assistance is not advisable since the infant's life is at risk; immediate action is essential in these critical scenarios.