When assessing breathing, what is the initial action you should take?

Maintaining an open airway is the crucial initial action when assessing breathing because it ensures that air can reach the lungs effectively. If the airway is blocked or compromised, even if the person is breathing, they may not be able to get enough oxygen. This action is fundamental in emergency response protocols, as a clear airway allows for effective assessment of whether the person is breathing adequately.

When you maintain an open airway, you can then proceed to check for breathing. If the airway is not clear, taking steps to open it (such as using the head-tilt-chin-lift maneuver or jaw thrust) is essential before moving on to check for other signs, such as pulse or bleeding. This prioritization is vital because without a clear airway, actions like CPR would be ineffective if the individual cannot receive air.

Other actions, such as starting CPR immediately or checking for a pulse, are important but come after ensuring that the airway is open. Significant bleeding is also critical to address, but it is secondary to ensuring the person can breathe. The priority in emergencies is always to ensure the patient can receive oxygen effectively, which stems from a clear airway.