When checking if a casualty is breathing, how should you position him?

To assess if a casualty is breathing effectively, positioning them on their back is essential. This position allows for an unobstructed view of the chest to observe the rise and fall that indicates breathing. Additionally, lying flat on their back facilitates proper airway management, as it is easier to tilt the head back in this position to open the airway, especially in cases where there might be an obstruction.

When a casualty is on their side, it might limit your ability to monitor their respiratory status adequately. Similarly, a sitting position may not provide a clear view of chest movement and can complicate airway access. Face down positioning severely restricts airflow and makes it impossible to check for breathing or perform any necessary interventions. Therefore, having the casualty on their back is the correct method for effectively determining respiration status.