Final answer:
To check if someone is breathing, you should Look, listen, and feel for chest movement, airflow sounds at the nose or mouth, and air movement against the cheek. Choking can hinder communication and cause labored breathing, which needs immediate attention.
Step-by-step explanation:
When checking for breathing, you should Look, listen, feel. This technique involves observing the chest for movement (look), listening for the sound of air flow at the nose or mouth, and feeling for air movement against your cheek. The person's ability to speak or cry out may be severely compromised if they are choking, and they may show signs of labored breathing, such as gasping or wheezing. Observing for these signs can indicate whether someone is able to breathe effectively, which is a critical immediate concern.
If you find someone unconscious, you would also begin assessment protocols by checking if their chest rises and falls or if there's air movement when you lean close, indicative of normal breathing. This should be done before initiating any first aid measures like CPR. This assessment includes looking for visual cues, listening for breathing sounds, and physically feeling for breath against your skin.