If someone is not breathing but still has a pulse, this is a case of respiratory arrest. It is life-threatening because the heart will eventually stop if oxygen is not supplied. Here’s what to do:
1. Call emergency services immediately
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Dial your local emergency number.
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Tell them the person has a pulse but is not breathing.
2. Check responsiveness and breathing properly
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Look for chest movement, listen for breath sounds, and feel for air.
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If absent or only gasping, treat it as not breathing.
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Confirm pulse (carotid in adults/children, brachial in infants) for up to 10 seconds.
3. Begin Rescue Breathing (Rescue Ventilations)
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Adults and children: Give 1 breath every 5–6 seconds (about 10–12 breaths per minute).
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Infants: Give 1 breath every 3–5 seconds (about 12–20 breaths per minute).
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Each breath should last about 1 second, enough to make the chest rise visibly.
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If trained and available, use a barrier device (pocket mask, bag-valve mask).
4. Reassess regularly
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Every 2 minutes, check for a pulse and spontaneous breathing.
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If the pulse is lost, begin full CPR (chest compressions + breaths) immediately.
5. Provide supportive measures
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Keep the airway open using head-tilt chin-lift (unless trauma suspected, then jaw thrust).
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Remove any obvious obstruction from the mouth if safe.
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If suspected opioid overdose and naloxone is available, administer it while continuing rescue breathing.
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Continue until emergency personnel take over, the person breathes on their own, or you are too exhausted to continue.
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