How long should a lifeguard check for breathing and a pulse in an adult after opening the airway?

How long should a lifeguard check for breathing and a pulse in an adult after opening the airway?

• A. No more than 5 seconds
• B. No more than 10 seconds
• C. No more than 20 seconds
• D. No more than 60 seconds

Answer: (B)

After opening the airway, you perform a rapid check for breathing and a pulse, aiming to finish in no more than 10 seconds. This brief window lets you quickly decide whether to start CPR or to provide rescue breaths, so you don’t waste precious time. In an adult, you look for signs of normal breathing and simultaneously check for a pulse at the carotid artery. If a pulse is present but the person isn’t breathing normally, give rescue breaths about every 5 to 6 seconds. If there is no pulse, start CPR immediately. Keeping the check under 10 seconds minimizes delays and speeds up life-saving actions.

After opening the airway, you perform a rapid check for breathing and a pulse, aiming to finish in no more than 10 seconds. This brief window lets you quickly decide whether to start CPR or to provide rescue breaths, so you don’t waste precious time. In an adult, you look for signs of normal breathing and simultaneously check for a pulse at the carotid artery. If a pulse is present but the person isn’t breathing normally, give rescue breaths about every 5 to 6 seconds. If there is no pulse, start CPR immediately. Keeping the check under 10 seconds minimizes delays and speeds up life-saving actions.