Breathing and Resuscitation

The essentials

This topic concerns the initial assessment of a casualty’s responsiveness, airway and breathing and resuscitation actions where necessary. It requires a clear sequence and timely emergency-service activation until professional help arrives.

What to remember

If the casualty is unresponsive, first ensure safety, call emergency services and assess normal breathing. If there is no normal breathing, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation according to the CPR algorithm you have been trained in and use an AED if available. If the casualty is breathing but unconscious and there is no specific suspicion of severe spinal injury, maintain an open airway and continuously monitor the condition until help arrives.

Listen to the explanation

Educational material; not a substitute for the current official rules.

Try questions on this topic

A small practice set from this subtopic. The full question bank and saved progress are available in your account.

While driving, the driver suddenly begins to complain of severe crushing chest pain and difficulty breathing. What should be done?
  1. Suggest going to the nearest hospital.
  2. Give a glass of water and 2 valerian tablets.
  3. Immediately stop the vehicle and turn on the hazard lights.
  4. Advise to walk a bit and breathe fresh air.

The correct answer: Immediately stop the vehicle and turn on the hazard lights.

The correct action is: Immediately stop the vehicle and turn on the hazard lights. In first aid, the order of actions matters and only the steps required for the stated condition should be performed. Remember the order of actions and avoid adding unnecessary steps from the distractors.

You see a fallen person and notice a bone protruding from the ankle and bleeding. If the scene is safe, what should you do first?
  1. Call emergency medical services.
  2. Check consciousness and breathing.
  3. Immobilize the leg.

The correct answer: Check consciousness and breathing.

The correct action is: Check consciousness and breathing. In first aid, the order of actions matters and only the steps required for the stated condition should be performed. Remember the order of actions and avoid adding unnecessary steps from the distractors.

For an unconscious victim who is breathing, you should
  1. Lay them on their back.
  2. Open the mouth and pull the tongue out.
  3. Turn them on their side and tilt the head back.

The correct answer: Turn them on their side and tilt the head back.

The correct action is: Turn them on their side and tilt the head back. In first aid, the order of actions matters and only the steps required for the stated condition should be performed. Remember the order of actions and avoid adding unnecessary steps from the distractors.

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