Under normal circumstances, what is the most likely cause of a cardiac arrest in a baby?

The most likely cause of a cardiac arrest in a baby, under normal circumstances, is airway obstruction. Infants have smaller airways and are more susceptible to blockages due to choking on food, toys, or other objects. If the airway becomes obstructed, it can lead to a lack of oxygen, resulting in hypoxia, which can subsequently cause cardiac arrest.

Understanding this, airway management in infants is critical, especially since they may not be able to cough or clear their throats effectively. Prompt recognition and intervention are essential in these situations to restore the airway and prevent further complications such as cardiac arrest.

In contrast, while drowning and electrocution can lead to cardiac arrest, they are not as common as airway obstruction in infants. Heart problems can cause cardiac arrest as well, but they are often less frequent in babies who are otherwise healthy, particularly those without pre-existing conditions.