When breathing is ineffective or stops completely, it is considered a breathing emergency. Ineffective breathing is when a person has slow shallow breaths (10 or less per minute), fast and shallow breaths(30 or more per minute), labored breathing etc.

Breathing rate-is the rate number breathes in one minute, the average rate for an adult 12-20 breaths per minute

Signs

abnormal breathing rate (too fast/too slow)
bluish skin tone
decreasing consciousness
noisy breathing

Procedure

if injuries allow, have the casualty rest in a semi-sitting position
if the breathing does not improve, begin assisted breathing

Artificial Resuscitation

If a person is unconscious and not breathing, it is necessary to give them AR.

Procedure

tilt the casualty's head by pressing on the forehead and lifting the jaw upwards, this opens the airway
position your mouth over the casualty's mouth and pinch their nose closed
now, blow slowly into their mouth watching the chest rise
release their nose to allow the air to escape
give another breath
check for a pulse, if there is none start CPR
if there is a pulse continue AR, give one breath roughly every 5 seconds

Assisted Breathing

Use the same method as AR but either give an extra breath between the casualty's breaths if breathing is too slow or give a breath with every second inhalation if breathing is too fast

Note:
a conscious casualty may resist assisted breathing, reassure them and explain why and what you are doing

Remember:
after only 4 minutes without oxygen brain damage can occur
be careful not to breathe too hard during AR to prevent air from entering the stomach causing vomiting
if vomiting does occur, turn the casualty on their side, clear the mouth, and restart AR