Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
LESSON 3: INITIATE RESCUE BREATHING ON AN ADULT
3-2
3-2. CHECK FOR RESPONSIVENESS
Establish responsiveness by using the AVPU system. Check to see if the patient is alert (A), responsive to verbal commands (V), responds to pain (P), or is unresponsive (U). Establishing responsiveness will usually take between 4 to 10 seconds.
CAUTION: If the casualty was injured in a motor vehicle accident, in a parachuting accident, in a diving accident, by a fall, by a blow to the back, or by some other violent incident that could result in injury to the back, take proper spinal precautions in treating the casualty. Be careful not to violently shake or move any patient. This will help to prevent aggravation of any injuries that may be present.
a. If the casualty answers, he is conscious and breathing, continue your examination of the casualty and render whatever aid is needed. (Evaluation and treatment procedures for injuries are presented in other 91W10 subcourses.)
b. If the casualty does not respond, he is unconscious. Perform the evaluation and treatment procedures given in the following paragraphs.
