Airway: Clear the Airway
The goal is to open and clear the airway so rescue breaths can reach the lungs. In an unconscious person, the tongue can relax and block the airway. Place the person on their back on a firm, flat surface and kneel beside the head.
Open the airway using the head-tilt, chin-lift technique. Place one hand on the person’s forehead and gently tilt the head back. With the fingertips of your other hand, lift the chin upward to open the airway.
Check for normal breathing for no more than 10 seconds: look for chest movement, listen for breath sounds, and feel for air on your cheek. Occasional gasping is not normal breathing.
If the person is not breathing normally, or if you are unsure, begin rescue breathing or continue with the next steps of CPR as directed.