When assessing breathing, which of the following actions is NOT part of checking for breathing?

When assessing breathing in a casualty, the primary focus is on observing the physical signs that indicate whether the person is breathing. This involves actions such as watching the chest rise and fall, listening to any sounds of breathing, and feeling for the air exhaled from the mouth or nose. Each of these actions provides direct evidence of respiratory activity.

Checking for a pulse, while a critical component of assessing a casualty's overall condition, is not a direct indicator of breathing. The pulse indicates circulation and heart function rather than respiratory status. Therefore, it does not fall under the category of actions taken specifically to assess breathing. Understanding the distinction between assessing breathing and circulation is vital for effective emergency response.