The last step of the initial examination is checking the pulse. This includes taking a pulse and looking for heavy bleeding and signs of shock.
When a person breathes, his heart contracts, then you do not need to check for a pulse. If there is no breathing, you should feel the victim's pulse. To determine the pulse, feel the carotid artery on the victim’s neck on the side closest to you. To do this, find the Adam's apple (Adam's apple) and move your fingers into the recess located on the side of the neck. A slow or weak pulse can be difficult to detect. If you don't succeed the first time, start again with your Adam's apple. When you think you have found the right spot, feel your pulse for at least 10 seconds.
When the victim has no pulse, artificial ventilation of the lungs with simultaneous compression of the sternum is necessary. This procedure is called cardiopulmonary resuscitation. In Chapter 6 you will learn how to do it.
This principle also includes the detection of severe bleeding. It must be stopped as quickly as possible.
Sometimes the victim may experience internal bleeding. External and internal bleeding is dangerous due to the transition to a state of shock. Shock is a serious problem that occurs when there is a large loss of blood. In shock, the victim's skin may be pale and cool to the touch. You will learn how to help when shock occurs in Chapter 7.
If the unconscious victim has a pulse and breathing, do not leave him lying on his back. Turn the victim onto their side so that their airway is open. This position is called stable. In this position, the victim's tongue does not close the airway. In addition, in this position, vomit, mucus and blood can come out of the mouth freely.
now, without causing blockage of the airways. Chapter 4 describes the stable position in more detail.