Which vital sign should be checked to assess a casualty’s breathing?

To assess a casualty’s breathing, the respiratory rate is the most relevant vital sign to examine. The respiratory rate indicates how many breaths a person takes within a minute, providing direct insight into their respiratory function. An abnormal respiratory rate can signal that the individual is hypoxic (not getting enough oxygen) or experiencing respiratory distress, which are critical conditions that require immediate attention.

Monitoring the respiratory rate helps responders determine the effectiveness of a casualty's breathing and identify any potential life-threatening issues. This vital sign is essential in the context of maintaining airway and breathing, which are foundational elements of general medical assessments.

Other vital signs, such as blood pressure, pulse rate, and temperature, while important for overall assessment, do not specifically reflect the status of the casualty's breathing. Blood pressure primarily indicates cardiovascular health, pulse rate reflects heart function, and temperature assesses metabolic status or infection but does not provide direct insight into respiratory performance. Therefore, focusing on the respiratory rate is crucial for evaluating a casualty's ability to breathe effectively.