You listen for breathing by using a combination of observation, listening, and feeling.
Here's a breakdown of the methods:
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Look for Chest Movement: Observe the person's chest and abdomen to see if they are rising and falling rhythmically. This indicates that air is moving in and out of the lungs.
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Listen for Breathing Sounds: Place your ear close to the person's mouth and nose and listen for any sounds of air moving. Listen for the typical whooshing sound of breath.
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Feel for Breath: Place your cheek close to the person's mouth and nose to feel for the warmth of their breath against your skin. This can be especially helpful in noisy environments where it's difficult to hear. Check for about 10 seconds.
These methods work together to provide a comprehensive assessment of whether someone is breathing. If you are unsure, assume the person is not breathing and begin rescue breathing/CPR, if trained.
