As an expert in emergency medical response, I would like to clarify the proper procedure for checking for breathing in an unresponsive person.
When you encounter an unresponsive person, you should start by ensuring the scene is safe for both you and the victim. Once safety is confirmed, you should check for responsiveness by calling out to the person and gently shaking their shoulder. If there is no response, you should immediately call for emergency medical services (EMS).
Next, you will check for
breathing. To do this, you should:
1. Open the person's airway by placing one hand on their forehead and gently tilting their head back. With your other hand, lift the chin to open the airway.
2. Look for signs of breathing by observing the chest for any rise and fall movements.
3. Listen for any sounds of breathing.
4. Feel for breaths on your cheek by placing your cheek close to the person's mouth and nose.
The
American Heart Association (AHA) recommends checking for breathing for
no more than 10 seconds. If the person is not breathing or is only gasping, you should begin
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) immediately.
Remember, it's crucial to act quickly in an emergency situation. If you are not trained in CPR, it's highly recommended to take a course to be prepared for such events.
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