Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
LESSON 3: INITIATE RESCUE BREATHING ON AN ADULT
3-10
3-10. EVALUATE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE TWO VENTILATIONS
a. Spontaneous Breathing Resumes. If the casualty begins breathing again on his own, check his circulation and continue your assessment. Do not leave the casualty since his breathing may stop again. The casualty may still require help to keep his airway open.
b. Airway Blocked. If the casualty's chest did not rise and fall, then fresh air is not getting into his lungs. Reposition the casualty's airway in an attempt to open the airway. Then administer two breaths again using the same procedures. If the casualty's chest still does not rise, he probably has an object blocking his airway. Remove the obstruction using finger sweeps and manual thrusts as described in paragraph 5-6. Once the obstruction has been removed, administer two full breaths and proceed to check the casualty's pulse (paragraph 3-11).
c. Airway Open with No Spontaneous Breathing. If air goes in and out of the casualty's lungs (airway open) but he does not start breathing on his own, check his pulse (paragraph 3-11) and determine if chest compressions are required.
