Ryanair Initial Practice Exam

How long should you look and listen for breathing when examining an unconscious casualty?

1. Up to 5 seconds

2. Up to 10 seconds

3. Up to 15 seconds

4. Up to 30 seconds

The correct answer is: Up to 10 seconds

When examining an unconscious casualty, it is crucial to assess their breathing accurately, as this information can guide the next steps in providing aid. The correct duration for looking and listening for breathing is up to 10 seconds. This time frame is sufficient to determine if the casualty is breathing normally, as it allows the rescuer to watch for any signs of chest movement and listen for breath sounds without unnecessarily delaying emergency response actions. If breathing is absent during this assessment, the responder can proceed with the appropriate first aid measures, such as calling for emergency help or starting CPR. This approach helps ensure that the time taken to evaluate the casualty is effective while allowing for swift intervention if needed.