What should you observe when determining if a victim is breathing?

When determining if a victim is breathing, observing the rise and fall of the chest is a critical and direct indication of respiratory function. This physical assessment allows you to visually confirm that air is entering and exiting the lungs. A normal breathing pattern is characterized by regular and rhythmic movements of the chest as it expands during inhalation and contracts during exhalation. This observation is an essential part of the primary assessment in emergency care because it helps you ascertain whether the victim requires immediate intervention, such as CPR or respiratory support.

While the color of the skin can indicate oxygenation status, it does not directly confirm breathing. Similarly, checking for a pulse or assessing the movement of limbs can provide valuable information about circulation and responsiveness but does not confirm if a person is actively breathing. Therefore, the rise and fall of the chest remains the most clear and immediate method to assess breathing in an emergency situation.