Assessment

Airway – We begin our assessment by opening the victim’s airway. This is done by placing the victim’s head in a neutral or sniffing position. Place one hand on the victim’s head and lift the jaw only to position the victim’s head. Do not perform a chin lift.

Breathing – To check for adequate breathing, maintain the victim’s airway while Looking, Listening and Feeling for signs of respirations. Look at the victim’s chest. You should see the chest rise and the ribcage expand. Listen and Feel with your ear close to the victim’s mouth. Check for a full 5 seconds. The infant victim should breathe at least once every 5 seconds. If your victim does not breathe at least once every 5 seconds then provide 2 rescue breaths. Cover the victim’s mouth with your mouth, pinch the nose and breathe slowly. The breaths should take 1 - 1½ seconds. Provide 2 rescue breaths while watching for the chest to rise with each breath. The volume of air is just enough to make the chest rise.

Circulation – To check for signs of circulation, find the brachial artery in the upper aspect of the arm between the bicep and the triceps muscles. Check for a pulse for a full 10 seconds.