Figure 3-3. Checking for signs of breathing while maintaining an open airway.
d. Take appropriate action.
(1)
If the casualty is not breathing, begin rescue breathing.
(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.
PERFORMING RESCUE BREATHING (MOUTH-TO-MOUTH)
Rescue breathing is performed when the casualty is not breathing on his own. In
rescue breathing, you use air from your own lungs to inflate the casualty's lungs. Keep
the casualty on his back and maintain the casualty's airway using the head-tilt/chin-lift or
jaw thrust, as appropriate.
NOTE:
If you have a face shield available, insert the shield into the casualty's mouth,
with the short airway portion over the top of the tongue and flatten the plastic
sheet around the mouth to cover the casualty's mouth, use it. The shield
acts as a barrier protecting the rescuer from secretions from the casualty's
mouth.
a. Close Casualty's Nose.
(1) If you are using the head-tilt/chin-lift, use the thumb and index finger of
your hand on the casualty's forehead to gently pinch the casualty's nostrils closed while
continuing to exert pressure on the casualty's forehead to maintain the backward head
tilt position.
(2) If you are using the jaw thrust, close the casualty's nostrils by placing
your cheek tightly against the nose.
MD0877
3-5
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