How do you assess for normal breathing in a n unresponsive person?

Assessing normal breathing in an unresponsive person involves the following steps:

1. Check for Unresponsiveness:

- Gently shake or shout to the person to check if they respond.

- If there is no response, assume the person is unresponsive and proceed with the breathing assessment.

2. Position the Person:

- Ensure the person is lying on their back with their head slightly extended to open the airway.

3. Look, Listen, and Feel:

- Look: Observe the chest for any rise or fall that indicates breathing.

- Listen: Place your ear close to the person's mouth and nose to listen for breathing sounds.

- Feel: Place your cheek near their mouth and nose to feel the movement of air and temperature changes.

4. Chest Movement:

- Watch the chest for at least 10 seconds. Normal breathing should produce clear, regular chest movement.

- The average respiratory rate for an adult at rest is between 12 and 20 breaths per minute.

5. Airflow Detection:

- Listen carefully for any breathing sounds, including gurgling, wheezing, or abnormal sounds.

- If the person is not breathing, you may feel the movement of air from the mouth or nose.

6. Duration of Assessment:

- Allow at least 10 seconds for this initial breathing assessment. If no breathing is detected, prepare to initiate rescue breathing, such as mouth-to-mouth or bag-mask ventilation.

Remember that if the person is unresponsive, it is essential to initiate CPR, which includes rescue breathing and chest compressions, to maintain adequate blood circulation and oxygen delivery to vital organs.