stops breathing first aid

What to Do If Someone Stops Breathing

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What to Do If Someone Stops Breathing

Imagine you’re walking through the park or having dinner at home and suddenly, someone collapses in front of you. They’re not breathing. Your heart pounds. What would you do?

This article is a step-by-step guide designed to help you take life-saving action if someone stops breathing. We’ll walk through how to recognize the emergency, stay calm, and provide the right aid before help arrives. You don’t have to be a medical professional to save a life—you just need to know what to do.

Understanding the Importance of Immediate Action

Why Every Second Counts

The moment a person stops breathing, their oxygen supply to the brain and other vital organs is cut off. Oxygen is essential for life, and without it, cells begin to die—especially brain cells. In fact, permanent brain damage can begin within 4 to 6 minutes of oxygen deprivation. Death can occur as soon as 8 to 10 minutes after breathing stops.

Think of it like this: your brain is like a computer. It needs power to operate. Oxygen is that power. Without it, the brain starts shutting down. So when someone stops breathing, you’re not just dealing with a scary moment—you’re literally racing against time to preserve their life and brain function.

This is why knowing even basic life support can be a game-changer. The goal isn’t to replace emergency responders; it’s to buy enough time until they arrive. A quick response can mean the difference between life and death—or between full recovery and lifelong disability.

The Risk of Brain Damage and Death

Here’s what happens, step by step, when breathing stops:

  1. 0-1 minute: Oxygen levels in the blood begin to drop.

  2. 1-4 minutes: Brain cells begin to die due to lack of oxygen.

  3. 4-6 minutes: Brain damage becomes likely.

  4. 6-10 minutes: Severe brain damage is almost certain.

  5. 10+ minutes: Death becomes highly probable without intervention.

This timeline shows just how critical those first few minutes are. It also explains why you need to act fast. Even if you’re unsure, doing something is better than doing nothing. Chest compressions, rescue breaths, calling 911—all of it helps. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to start.

Recognizing the Signs of Breathing Cessation

Physical Indicators to Watch For

Recognizing when someone isn’t breathing can be harder than it seems, especially in a high-stress moment. Here’s what to look for:

  • No chest movement: Normally, a person’s chest rises and falls gently. If it’s completely still, that’s a red flag.

  • No breath sounds: Place your ear near their mouth and nose—can you hear or feel air?

  • Bluish or grayish skin tone: Especially around the lips or fingertips. This indicates a lack of oxygen.

  • Gasping or irregular sounds: Agonal breathing—gasping for air—is not normal breathing. It’s a sign of cardiac arrest.

  • Unresponsiveness: If they don’t respond to your voice or touch, it’s serious.

It’s important not to waste time second-guessing yourself. If the signs point to breathing cessation, act immediately. Every second matters.

Differences Between Normal and Abnormal Breathing

Breathing isn’t always black or white. Sometimes a person may seem like they’re breathing when in fact, they’re not getting enough oxygen. Here’s how to tell:

Type Description Action Needed
Normal breathing Regular, quiet, with chest rise No emergency
Labored breathing Noisy, slow, or shallow May need medical help
Agonal gasps Irregular, desperate sounds Start CPR immediately
No breathing No sound or chest movement Start CPR immediately

If you’re unsure, treat the situation as an emergency. The worst-case scenario of doing CPR unnecessarily is far better than doing nothing while someone slips away.

Assessing the Situation Safely

Ensuring Your Safety First

Before jumping into action, you need to ensure that it’s safe for you to help. If the environment poses a threat—like a busy road, fire, or toxic fumes—don’t put yourself in danger.

Ask yourself:

  • Is the area safe?

  • Can I get to the person without harm?

  • Should I move them?

Once it’s safe, approach the person quickly but calmly. Panic helps no one.

Checking for Responsiveness

Now that you’re safely beside the person, the next step is to assess their responsiveness.

  1. Tap and shout: Gently shake their shoulders and say loudly, “Are you okay?” or “Can you hear me?”

  2. Check for movement: Are their eyes fluttering? Are they groaning or reacting in any way?

  3. No response? Time to act.

A completely unresponsive person who isn’t breathing needs immediate help. Shout for help if anyone is around and delegate tasks. For example: “You, call 911!” “You, find an AED!”

This step is crucial. You need to confirm they’re unconscious and not breathing before starting CPR or rescue breathing.

Calling Emergency Services Immediately

What to Say to the Operator

Call 911 (or your country’s emergency number) the moment you confirm the person isn’t breathing. If you’re alone, use a speakerphone so you can continue helping while you talk.

Be clear and concise:

  • State your location clearly.

  • Explain that the person is not breathing and unresponsive.

  • Answer their questions.

  • Follow their instructions.

Here’s an example:

“I’m at 123 Main Street. A man collapsed. He’s not breathing and unresponsive. I’m starting CPR.”

The dispatcher may guide you step-by-step through CPR. Listen carefully and don’t hang up until they tell you to.

Staying on the Line for Guidance

Staying on the phone could make a huge difference. Dispatchers are trained to help you through stressful situations. They can:

  • Help you check vital signs

  • Guide you through CPR

  • Keep you calm

  • Inform first responders of your actions

If someone else is calling, have them stay on the line while you begin CPR. Teamwork in these moments can save a life.

Performing Basic Life Support (BLS)

Checking the Airway

First, gently tilt the person’s head back to open the airway. This move lifts the tongue off the back of the throat, allowing air to pass.

Steps:

  1. Place one hand on their forehead and two fingers under the chin.

  2. Tilt the head back slightly while lifting the chin.

  3. Look, listen, and feel for breathing for no more than 10 seconds.

If there’s still no sign of breathing, move on to rescue breaths and chest compressions.

Delivering Rescue Breaths

Rescue breaths are a key component of CPR (especially for children and drowning victims), as they supply oxygen directly to the lungs. If you’re trained and comfortable, you should perform rescue breaths after opening the airway.

Here’s how to do it properly:

  1. Ensure the airway is open: Tilt the head back and lift the chin.

  2. Pinch the nose shut: This prevents air from escaping.

  3. Seal your mouth over theirs: Create a complete seal.

  4. Give two slow breaths: Each breath should last about one second. Watch for the chest to rise.

If the chest doesn’t rise:

  • Re-tilt the head and try again.

  • Make sure you’ve sealed the nose and mouth properly.

Don’t hyperventilate the person. The goal is gentle, steady breaths. Overblowing can push air into the stomach instead of the lungs, increasing the risk of vomiting.

If you’re untrained or uncomfortable with rescue breaths, performing chest compressions alone (hands-only CPR) is still highly effective. Many modern CPR guidelines prioritize compressions to keep blood circulating to the brain.

Starting Chest Compressions

Chest compressions are arguably the most critical part of CPR. They manually pump the heart to keep oxygenated blood flowing to vital organs. The process might seem intimidating, but don’t overthink it—your goal is to push hard and fast in the center of the chest.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Position your hands:

    • Place the heel of one hand in the center of the person’s chest (right between the nipples).

    • Place your other hand on top and interlock your fingers.

  2. Get into position:

    • Kneel beside the victim.

    • Lock your elbows and use your body weight—not just your arms—to press down.

  3. Start compressions:

    • Depth: Push down at least 2 inches (5 cm) for adults.

    • Rate: 100–120 compressions per minute (to the beat of “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees).

    • Let the chest fully recoil between compressions.

  4. Minimize interruptions: If you pause, make it brief—less than 10 seconds.

Important tips:

  • Don’t worry about breaking ribs—it’s common during CPR and not as dangerous as not acting.

  • Count out loud to maintain rhythm and focus.

  • If you’re trained in CPR, perform a cycle of 30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths.

Keep going until:

  • The person starts breathing or moving.

  • A medical professional arrives and takes over.

  • An AED is brought to the scene and ready for use.

  • You’re physically unable to continue.

Even if it feels like nothing’s happening, keep going. Your actions might be the only thing keeping that person alive.

Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

If someone stops breathing due to cardiac arrest, their heart may be in an irregular rhythm. That’s where an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) comes in. It delivers a controlled shock to restart or stabilize the heart’s rhythm.

AEDs are found in airports, malls, gyms, schools, and even some homes. They’re designed for everyday people—not just professionals—so don’t hesitate to use one if it’s available.

How to use an AED:

  1. Turn it on: AEDs have voice instructions that guide you step-by-step.

  2. Expose the chest: Make sure the skin is dry.

  3. Attach the pads:

    • One pad goes on the upper right chest.

    • The other goes on the lower left side (below the armpit).

  4. Follow the prompts:

    • The device will analyze the heart rhythm.

    • It may advise a shock—if so, ensure no one is touching the person and press the shock button.

    • After the shock (or if no shock is advised), resume CPR immediately.

AEDs are extremely effective. When used within the first 3 minutes of cardiac arrest, survival rates can jump to as high as 70%.

Even if you’re nervous, trust the device—it will not allow a shock unless it’s needed. You cannot harm the person by using an AED.

Helping a Child or Infant Who Stops Breathing

CPR for children and infants follows the same principles as adult CPR, but with a few key differences due to their smaller size and more delicate bodies.

For a child (1 year to puberty):

  • Use one or two hands for compressions depending on the child’s size.

  • Push about 2 inches deep.

  • Compression rate: 100–120 per minute.

  • Use a 30:2 ratio of compressions to breaths (if trained).

  • If alone, perform 2 minutes of CPR before calling emergency services.

For an infant (under 1 year):

  1. Check for responsiveness by flicking the sole of the foot.

  2. Open the airway using a gentle head-tilt, chin-lift.

  3. Give rescue breaths:

    • Cover the nose and mouth with your mouth.

    • Give gentle breaths—just enough to make the chest rise.

  4. Perform compressions:

    • Use two fingers in the center of the chest (just below the nipple line).

    • Compress about 1.5 inches deep.

    • Rate: 100–120 per minute.

    • 30 compressions and 2 breaths (or 15:2 with two rescuers).

Children often stop breathing due to choking, asthma, or drowning—rather than cardiac events. Therefore, rescue breaths are particularly important.

Remember: any CPR is better than none. Even if you feel unsure, doing your best could save a child’s life.

Choking: A Common Cause of Breathing Cessation

Choking is one of the most frequent causes of sudden breathing loss, especially in children and elderly individuals. When an object becomes lodged in the throat or windpipe, it can block airflow, leading to unconsciousness and even death if not treated quickly.

Signs of choking:

  • Inability to speak or cough

  • High-pitched or no sound when inhaling

  • Clutching the throat (universal sign for choking)

  • Turning blue (especially lips and fingertips)

  • Loss of consciousness

What to do if someone is choking:

  1. Ask, “Are you choking?”

    • If they nod but can’t speak, they need help immediately.

  2. Perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver):

    • Stand behind the person.

    • Wrap your arms around their waist.

    • Make a fist with one hand and place it above their navel.

    • Grasp your fist with the other hand and give quick, upward thrusts.

  3. Continue until:

    • The object is expelled.

    • The person can breathe or speak.

    • They lose consciousness (then begin CPR).

For infants:

  • Use back slaps and chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts.

  • Alternate 5 back slaps and 5 chest thrusts.

Act fast, but stay calm. A few well-placed thrusts can turn a terrifying moment into a relief-filled one.

Dealing with Drowning Victims

Drowning is a silent and deadly emergency where a person suffocates due to submersion in water. Unlike what movies show, drowning victims often can’t call for help or wave their arms—they’re too busy trying to breathe. When someone is pulled from water and not breathing, immediate action is critical.

What to do if someone drowned and isn’t breathing:

  1. Check for breathing and responsiveness:

    • Lay them on a firm surface.

    • Tilt their head back and lift their chin.

    • Look, listen, and feel for breath.

  2. Call for help immediately:

    • Get emergency services involved as quickly as possible.

  3. Start CPR immediately:

    • Begin with 2 rescue breaths (unlike typical CPR where compressions come first).

    • Then start chest compressions (30:2 ratio).

    • Continue until the person begins breathing or help arrives.

  4. Clear the airway only if necessary:

    • If water or debris is visibly blocking the airway, turn their head to the side and sweep it out.

    • Avoid excessive head movement if a spinal injury is suspected (e.g., diving injury).

  5. Keep them warm after resuscitation:

    • Use towels, blankets, or even your own body heat to prevent hypothermia.

Drowning doesn’t always happen in oceans or lakes. It can occur in pools, bathtubs, or even buckets of water. And for children under 5, it’s one of the leading causes of accidental death worldwide. Recognizing and responding to this quickly can prevent tragedy.

Recovery Position for Unconscious But Breathing Victims

Sometimes, after successful rescue or CPR, a person may start breathing again but remain unconscious. In this case, placing them in the recovery position can keep their airway clear and prevent choking if they vomit.

How to place someone in the recovery position:

  1. Kneel beside the person.

  2. Place the arm nearest to you at a right angle to their body (bent at the elbow).

  3. Bring the far arm across the chest and place the back of their hand against the cheek nearest you.

  4. Grab the far knee and bend it.

  5. Roll the person toward you, pulling on their bent knee while holding their hand to their cheek.

  6. Tilt their head back slightly to keep the airway open.

This position helps:

  • Prevent choking

  • Keep the airway clear

  • Allow fluids like vomit or saliva to drain safely

Don’t forget to monitor their breathing and stay with them until help arrives. If they stop breathing again, immediately roll them onto their back and resume CPR.

What to Do After Emergency Services Arrive

Once emergency responders arrive, you might feel a wave of relief—but your job isn’t over just yet. Your quick thinking and intervention have kept the person alive, and now it’s time to pass the baton to the professionals.

Steps to take:

  1. Give a clear report:

    • Explain exactly what happened.

    • Mention how long the person wasn’t breathing.

    • Describe any first aid or CPR you performed.

    • Inform them if an AED was used and how many shocks were delivered.

  2. Step back:

    • Let the professionals take over, but remain available if they have questions.

  3. Stay calm and composed:

    • You may be in shock or emotional—this is natural. Take a few deep breaths.

  4. Assist if asked:

    • Sometimes responders may need help moving the person or locating family members.

Your quick action bridged the gap between collapse and professional care. Even if the outcome isn’t perfect, you gave the person the best possible chance.

Emotional Aftermath for the Rescuer

Saving someone’s life—or witnessing a life-threatening emergency—can have a major emotional impact. You might feel overwhelmed, shaken, guilty, or even doubtful about whether you did the right thing.

These reactions are completely normal. It’s called rescue stress or rescuer’s guilt, and it’s experienced by both trained professionals and bystanders.

Common feelings after a rescue attempt:

  • Anxiety or replaying the incident in your head

  • Self-doubt or questioning if you did enough

  • Guilt if the outcome was poor

  • Physical fatigue or nausea

How to cope:

  1. Talk about it:

    • Share your experience with a trusted friend or counselor.

  2. Accept your limits:

    • You’re not a superhero, but you did your best—and that matters.

  3. Join support groups:

    • Online and local communities can help you process your emotions.

  4. Give yourself credit:

    • Taking action, especially under pressure, is incredibly brave.

You may have saved a life—or at least tried. Don’t let guilt or anxiety rob you of that truth. Seek help if your emotional reactions interfere with daily life.

Learning CPR and First Aid for the Future

Let’s face it—emergencies don’t happen with warning. But being prepared can turn an ordinary bystander into a real-life hero.

If reading this article left you feeling unsure or unprepared, it’s the perfect time to change that. Learning CPR and first aid doesn’t take long, and it gives you the confidence to act quickly and effectively.

Where to learn:

  • Local Red Cross or Heart Foundation courses

  • Community centers or colleges

  • Online CPR certification classes

  • Apps like PulsePoint and American Heart Association

What you’ll gain:

  • Hands-on practice with chest compressions and rescue breathing

  • Training with AED devices

  • Choking response techniques

  • Child and infant CPR methods

Bonus: It’s empowering!

Knowing how to save a life is a skill you hope you’ll never need—but one that could change someone else’s world forever. It gives you a sense of responsibility, confidence, and purpose.

Think about it: wouldn’t it feel incredible to know that if someone near you collapses, you won’t freeze—you’ll help?

Conclusion

Emergencies are never easy, and when someone stops breathing, it’s one of the most frightening scenarios you can encounter. But knowing what to do—and acting swiftly—can make the difference between tragedy and survival. Whether it’s recognizing the signs of breathing cessation, performing CPR, using an AED, or calling for help, every action counts.

You don’t have to be a doctor. You just need to be willing to act. This guide has armed you with the knowledge to respond in one of life’s most critical moments. Now it’s up to you to carry that knowledge forward. Learn CPR. Teach it to others. And be ready—not scared—when seconds count.

FAQs

1. What if I’m not CPR certified—can I still help?
Yes! Even without certification, chest compressions alone can make a huge difference. Don’t hesitate—doing something is better than doing nothing.

2. Should I perform CPR on someone who is gasping?
Yes. Gasping, or agonal breathing, is not effective breathing. Begin CPR immediately.

3. Can I get in trouble for trying to help someone?
Most countries have “Good Samaritan” laws that protect people who try to help in emergencies. As long as your intentions are good, you’re likely covered.

4. How can I tell if I’m pressing hard enough during chest compressions?
Aim for 2 inches deep on adults. Push hard and fast—if you hear ribs crack, it’s often a sign you’re doing it correctly (and still safer than not acting).

5. How do I know if an AED will help?
The AED analyzes the heart and will only deliver a shock if needed. You can’t accidentally hurt someone with it—trust the device.

DISCLAIMER:-This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and emergency treatment.

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