During the initial assessment of an unresponsive adult, what is the maximum time to spend checking for normal breathing, without delaying the emergency call?

Correct answer

No more than ten seconds to check for normal breathing.

No more than ten seconds for that check; it is not a waiting period after mouth-to-mouth breaths. If the adult is unresponsive, call emergency services immediately—112 in Spain—and assess breathing while waiting for the call to be answered, following the dispatcher’s instructions. If unresponsive and not breathing normally, suspect cardiac arrest and start CPR without delay. Isolated gasps or agonal breathing are not normal breathing.