2-6. Preliminary Steps — All Rescue Breathing Methods

Table of Contents

• a. Establish unresponsiveness. Call for help. Turn or position the casualty.
• b. Open the airway.
• c. Check for breathing by placing your ear over the casualty’s mouth and nose, and looking toward his chest.
• • (1) LOOK for rise and fall of the casualty’s chest (Figure 2-6).
  • (2) LISTEN for sounds of breathing.
  • (3) FEEL for breath on the side of your face. If the chest does not rise and fall and no air is exhaled, then the casualty is not breathing.
  • (4) PERFORM rescue breathing if the casualty is not breathing.

NOTE

Although the rescuer may notice that the casualty is making respiratory efforts, the airway may still be obstructed and opening the airway may be all that is needed. If the casualty resumes breathing, the rescuer should continue to maintain an open airway.

Figure 2-6. Check for breathing.