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3-7. CHECK FOR BREATHING

Check to see if the casualty is breathing adequately (figure 3-4). Many times, opening the airway is all that is necessary to restore breathing in an unconscious casualty. This check usually takes 3 to 5 seconds to perform. Keep maintaining the casualty's airway (head-tilt/chin-lift or jaw-thrust) while you perform the check.

NOTE: This is the first time that you actually check to see if the casualty is breathing

adequately. Even if an unconscious casualty is breathing when you find him,

his breathing could deteriorate or stop altogether while you are performing

other measures if you do not take the precaution of positioning him so that his

airway stays open.

a. Place your ear over the casualty's mouth and nose and look towards the casualty's chest. For the best results, your ear should be almost touching the casualty.

 

b. Look at the casualty's chest. If the casualty is breathing, you should be able to see the chest rise and fall.

 

c. Listen for the sound of breathing (air being inhaled and exhaled).

 

d. Feel for the flow of air on the side of your face caused by the casualty exhaling

Figure 3-4. Check for breathing using the head-tilt/chin-lift.

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