What do you look for when checking breathing in a victim?

When checking a person's breathing, you should look for the following signs of normal breathing:

1. Visible chest movement: Observe the victim's chest and abdomen to see if there are any visible signs of breathing. Look for the chest rising and falling or the abdomen expanding and contracting.

2. Normal breathing sounds: Listen for normal breathing sounds by placing your ear close to the person's mouth and nose. Listen for sounds like inhalations, exhalations, or gurgling sounds.

3. Movement of air: Hold a mirror or your hand close to the casualty's mouth and nose. The mirror will fog, or your hand will feel the flow of air.

Signs that might indicate abnormal breathing or respiratory distress include:

1. Gasping or laboured breathing: If the person is gasping for air or breathing with difficulty, it could indicate respiratory distress.

2. Noisy breathing: If the person is making noisy or wheezing sounds while breathing, it may indicate airway obstruction or difficulty breathing.

3. Absence of breathing: If you don't see any chest or abdominal movement, and don't hear or feel any airflow for 10 seconds, the person may not be breathing.

4. Rapid or shallow breathing: Rapid or shallow breaths could indicate hyperventilation, anxiety, or respiratory problems.

5. Snoring or gurgling sounds: Snoring or gurgling sounds during breathing may suggest an airway obstruction.

6. Cyanosis: If the victim's lips, tongue, or skin appear bluish in colour (cyanosis), it could indicate a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream.

7. Confusion or lethargy: If the person is confused or lethargic, it may indicate a lack of oxygen reaching the brain.

Additional considerations when assessing a person's breathing:

- Always use your judgment and take the overall context into account. For instance, if the victim was physically exerting themselves just before the emergency, rapid breathing might be normal.

- If you suspect the person is not breathing normally or is in respiratory distress, immediately start CPR compressions and rescue breaths.

- Seek immediate medical assistance in any case of doubt about the person's breathing or overall health.