Checking for Breathing: Signs and What to Do

Signs of Breathing

• Chest movement: The chest rises and falls with each breath.
• Abdominal movement: The abdomen rises and falls with each breath.
• Air movement: You can feel air moving in and out of the person's mouth and nose.
• Breath sounds: You can hear breath sounds using a stethoscope.

Other Signs of Life

In addition to breathing, these signs indicate a person is alive:

• Pulse: Felt at the wrist, temple, or neck.
• Heartbeat: Heard with a stethoscope.
• Blood pressure: Measured with a blood pressure cuff.
• Oxygen saturation: Measured with a pulse oximeter.

If you are unsure whether someone is breathing, check for other signs of life. If the person is not breathing and shows no other signs of life, begin CPR immediately.