What is the recommended procedure for a casualty who is breathing inadequately?

For a casualty who is breathing inadequately, the recommended procedure involves administering supplemental oxygen or assisting ventilations. Inadequate breathing can indicate that the body's need for oxygen is not being met, which can lead to hypoxia and further complications.

By providing supplemental oxygen, you are increasing the availability of oxygen in the bloodstream, which can help to stabilize the casualty's condition. Assisting with ventilations may involve using methods such as bag-mask ventilation or another form of airway management, ensuring that the casualty receives adequate breaths. This is vital in situations where the casualty’s respiratory drive is compromised but still can respond to assistance.

In contrast, waiting for spontaneous breathing may leave the casualty without necessary oxygenation, which can worsen their condition. Performing chest compressions is primarily indicated for cardiac arrest scenarios and is not appropriate for inadequate breathing alone. Providing fluids orally is not advisable in the context of respiratory distress, as it can increase the risk of aspiration and is not a method to manage inadequate breathing.