CPR - Step 4

Check for Normal Breathing

After opening the airway, then check the person’s breath if it is normal, QUICKLY

- WATCH the chest, is it rising and falling?

- Yes? Normal breathing

- No? Not normal breathing


- LISTEN at the mouth, do you hear air?

- Yes? Normal breathing

- No? Not normal breathing


Do not take more than 10 seconds to check for breathing.

- ATTENTION: There is a difference between agonal gasps which are slow, gasping sounds and normal breathing. Oftentimes, agonal gasps occur during cardiac arrest and indicates that CPR must start.

Do not take more than 10 seconds to check for breathing.



Emergency CPR Help


What to do for:

- Normal breathing: Put them in the recovery position and continue to check if the breathing is abnormal.

- No breathing or only gasping: Begin CPR ASAP (Step 5).