What is the recommended location for assessing the pulse in an unresponsive 6-month-old child?

In an unresponsive 6-month-old child, the preferred location for pulse assessment is the brachial artery. This choice is grounded in the anatomical considerations of infants. At this age, the brachial artery is relatively accessible and is an effective site for detecting a pulse.

When checking for a pulse in infants, the brachial artery–located just above the elbow on the inner arm—is easier to palpate compared to the radial artery, which may be too small and difficult to assess accurately in younger children. The carotid and femoral arteries, while they could be palpitated, are not recommended for pulse assessment in infants due to the higher risk of causing injury or the complexities related to safely accessing these areas in such small patients. The brachial artery is specifically preferred for this age group and is aligned with pediatric emergency protocols for assessing circulation.