Adult CPR: Essential Checks Before Rescue Breaths

Critical Assessments Before Giving Rescue Breaths to an Unresponsive Adult

Before initiating rescue breaths, quickly evaluate the following to ensure appropriate action and safety:

1. Check for a Pulse: Palpate the carotid artery (neck) or radial pulse (wrist) for no more than 10 seconds. If a definite pulse is felt, do not give rescue breaths; monitor breathing and activate emergency services.
2. Look for Medical Alert Jewelry: Check wrist, neck, or ankle for bracelets/necklaces indicating allergies, diabetes, epilepsy, or other conditions.
3. Inspect the Airway for Obstructions: Open the mouth and look for visible foreign objects (food, dentures, debris). If seen and accessible, remove with a finger sweep only if trained; otherwise, proceed with chest compressions.
4. Assess for Stroke Signs (FAST):
   • Face drooping
   • Arm weakness
   • Speech difficulty
   • Time to call 911
   If stroke is suspected, call emergency services immediately and do not delay for rescue breaths unless breathing is absent.
5. Observe for Seizure Activity: If the person is actively seizing, do not attempt rescue breaths. Protect from injury, time the seizure, and assess breathing/responsiveness once it ends.
6. Open the Airway (Head-Tilt/Chin-Lift): Gently tilt the head back and lift the chin to open the airway. This aligns the airway for effective ventilation if breaths are needed.

Important: If the person is unresponsive, not breathing normally, and has no pulse, begin CPR immediately (30 compressions to 2 breaths) and use an AED as soon as available.