How long should you check an unconscious person's breathing?

Checking an unconscious person's breathing should ideally last between 3 to 5 seconds. This time frame allows a responder to adequately assess whether the individual is breathing normally or not. During this brief period, you can look for the rise and fall of the chest, listen for breathing sounds, and feel for exhaled breath on your cheek.

If breathing is detected within this time frame, it can provide reassurance that the person may not require immediate resuscitation efforts. However, if there are no signs of breathing, this threshold of 3 to 5 seconds is crucial because it helps the responder make a quick but informed decision about initiating CPR or calling for emergency help, ensuring a prompt response that can be critical in a medical emergency.

Longer time frames, such as 10-15 seconds or 30 seconds, may be overly extended and could delay necessary interventions. In an emergency situation, acting efficiently and decisively within the optimal time is important for the best chance of recovery.