How can you tell if an adult victim is breathing?

To determine if an adult victim is breathing, observing the chest for rise and fall while also listening for breath sounds is the most reliable method. When assessing a victim, you should position yourself close enough to notice any subtle movements in the chest, which indicates that air is moving in and out of the lungs. Listening closely can also help detect the sound of air being inhaled or exhaled.

Checking for a pulse, feeling for air from the mouth, or asking the victim to speak may not provide reliable information about their breathing status. A pulse check does not confirm breathing, while feeling for air may not be effective if the individual is not breathing adequately. Asking the victim to speak requires them to be conscious and capable of responding, which is not a feasible approach in emergency situations where quick assessments are necessary. Thus, observing the chest movement and listening for breath sounds offer a clear indication of the victim's breathing.