d. Take appropriate action.
(1)
If the casualty is not breathing, begin rescue breathing.
(a) Gently pinch the casualty's nostrils closed.
(b) Administer two full breaths (mouth-to-mouth) and check the
casualty's carotid (neck) pulse.
(c) If the casualty has a pulse, continue administering rescue breathing
at the rate of one breath every five seconds. Check the casualty's pulse every 12
breaths or so (about every minute).
(d) If a check shows that the casualty does not have a carotid pulse,
begin administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if you know how.
NOTE:
In a tactical situation, if a casualty is found with no pulse and no respiration,
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is not recommended.
(2) If the casualty is breathing, count the number of respirations for 15
seconds. If the casualty is unconscious, or if his respiratory rate is less than two
breaths in 15 seconds, and/or if the casualty is making snoring or gurgling sounds,
insert a nasal airway (paragraph 3-6) and place the casualty in the recovery position
(paragraph 3-7).
3-6.
INSERTING A NASOPHARYNGEAL AIRWAY
A nasopharyngeal airway (see figure 3-4) provides an open (patent) airway and
helps to keep the tongue from falling to the back of the mouth and blocking the airway.
Figure 3-4. Examples of nasopharyngeal airways.
CAUTION:
Do not use the nasopharyngeal airway if the roof of the casualty's mouth
is fractured or brain matter is exposed.
IS0871
3-5
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