c. Evaluate the Pulse Check.
(1) If no pulse can be felt, cardiopulmonary resuscitation is required
immediately. The procedures for administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation are given
in Lesson 4.
(2) If a pulse can be felt, determine the rate and quality of the pulse. Ensure
that the pulse is adequate to sustain life. (A pulse of less than 40 beats per minute
[BPM] is not adequate to sustain life in most adults and CPR should be started.)
Administer the rescue breathing procedures given in paragraph 3-12.
3-12. CONTINUE RESCUE BREATHING
If the casualty's heart is beating adequately and he is not breathing on his own,
continue to administer rescue breathing. Administer ventilations (breaths) at the rate of
1 ventilation about every 5 seconds (10 to 12 ventilations per minute). Keep the
casualty's airway open, while performing the ventilations and continue to monitor the
casualty's pulse.
a. Perform Ventilations. Administer ventilations using the mouth-to-mouth, the
mouth-to-nose, or the mouth-to-stoma method, as appropriate. Ventilations can also be
provided with the bag-valve-mask or other equipment that is discussed in other
subcourses. The steps given below assume that the mouth-to-mouth method is being
used with the head-tilt/chin-lift. Adjust the procedures as needed if another combination
is being used.
(1)
Take a breath.
(2) Pinch the casualty's nostrils closed using the thumb and index finger of
the hand on his forehead.
(3) Place your mouth over the casualty's mouth, making sure that a tight
seal is formed.
(4) Blow into the casualty's mouth at a slow rate. As you blow, observe his
chest. If his chest does not rise, a sufficient amount of air is not getting into his lungs.
This may be caused by an inadequate positioning of his airway, by air leaking from the
casualty's nose, by air leaking from around your mouth, or by the breath not being
delivered with sufficient force. If a problem exists, correct the problem and continue
administering ventilations.
(5) Remove your mouth from around the casualty's mouth and release his
nose. This allows him to exhale. Remember, the casualty's airway must be kept open
so he can exhale.
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