Breathing - General

Breathing is the most critical thing we must do to stay alive. A primary cause of death is lack of air!

Unconscious Person

Be careful approaching an unconscious person. He or she may be in contact with electrical current. If that is the case, turn of the electricity before you touch the victim.

There are hundreds of other possible causes of unconsciousness, but the first thing you must check for is breathing.

1. For a person found unconscious, consider this a true medical emergency. Call for medical assistance (6911 on campus, 911 off) as soon as it is determined that the victim is unconscious, even before checking for breathing. Try to arouse the person: Shake the victim's shoulder vigorously. Shout: "Are you all right?"
   
   
2. If there is no response check for signs of breathing.
   
   
   1. Be sure the victim is lying flat or his or her back. If you have to roll the victim over, move his or her entire body at one time.
      
      
   2. Loosen tight clothing around the neck and chest.
      
      
   
   
3. Open the airway:
   
   
   1. Lift up the neck gently with one hand.
      
      
   2. Push down on the back and the forehead with the other hand.
      
      
   3. Place your ear close to the victim's mouth. Listen for breath sounds. Watch his or her chest and stomach for movement.
      
      
   4. If there is any question in your mind, or if breathing is so faint that you are unsure...assume the worst!
      
      
   5. Give rescue breathing immediately. Have someone else summon professional help.