BASIC LIFE SUPPORT
BREATHING
When checking for breathing LOOK LISTEN AND FEEL.
With an ear placed over the mouth and our head turned toward the casualty’s stomach, listen at the mouth but also feel for the warmth and coolness of air being drawn in and out. Place a hand on the lower chest / upper stomach area and feel as you watch for chest rise and fall. If someone is breathing, place them into recovery position as shown below. If the casualty is not breathing or not breathing normally, commence CPR. In terms of not breathing normally, there are 2 main things to look out for. Sometimes casualties may produce what is know as a death rattle where air can be heard leaving the casualties mouth with a snore like sound. There is no rise and fall of the chest and no evidence of air being drawn back in. This requires immediate CPR. Some casualties who are in cardiac arrest, show signs of the agonal gasp. The casualty may make occasional gasping sounds & movements, but air is not consistently drawn in or exhaled. This is more of an involuntary action. It is insufficient to sustain life and requires immediate CPR.
Breathing check image & recovery position image