Final answer:
When an individual is unresponsive, checking for a pulse and breathing should take no longer than 10 seconds. Time-sensitive evaluations such as the Apgar score, taken at 1 and 5 minutes after birth, provide critical information on the newborn's condition, requiring quick and appropriate responses for low scores.
Step-by-step explanation:
When checking for a pulse and breathing on an unresponsive person, you should not spend more than 10 seconds searching for a pulse. The Apgar criteria assess a newborn's health immediately after birth, looking at five factors: skin color, heart rate, reflexes, muscle tone, and respiration. Each factor gets a score of 0, 1, or 2. Evaluations are done at 1 minute and 5 minutes post-birth, and scores indicate the baby's condition, with higher scores reflecting a successful transition from the womb and lower scores signaling potential distress.
Resuscitation or medical assistance is indicated for low scores, especially if the total is below 7 at 5 minutes, and it's an emergency if the score is under 5. It's important to recognize the urgency in responding to an unresponsive infant, as timely intervention can be critical for their survival and long-term health. Thus, in both checking pulse and breathing or evaluating the Apgar score, time is a crucial factor.