Adult CPR: Essential Checks Before Rescue Breaths

Additional signs to assess before giving rescue breaths to an unresponsive adult victim:

- Pulse check: Quickly check for a pulse on the victim's wrist or carotid artery in the neck for no more than 10 seconds. If you find a pulse, the person is still breathing and you should not give rescue breaths.

- Check for a medical alert bracelet or necklace: This may provide information about any underlying medical conditions or allergies the person may have.

- Check for foreign objects in the mouth: If you see any objects blocking the airway, sweep them out using a finger sweep if you are trained to do so.

- Check for signs of a stroke: Look for facial drooping, arm weakness, or speech difficulty. If you suspect a stroke, call emergency services immediately and do not attempt rescue breaths.

- Check for seizures: If the person is having seizures, do not attempt rescue breaths. Wait for the seizure to end and then assess breathing and responsiveness.

- Positioning: Gently tilt the victim's head back to open the airway. This will help ensure that air can flow freely into the lungs.