How can you tell if a victim is receiving an adequate supply of oxygen to the brain?

The reaction of the eye pupils to light is a key indicator of adequate oxygen supply to the brain. When the brain is receiving enough oxygen, the pupils will constrict in response to light, demonstrating proper neurological function. This reaction is controlled by the brainstem, which relies on an adequate blood flow and oxygenation. If the brain is not receiving sufficient oxygen, this reflex may be diminished or absent, signaling a potential problem.

While regaining consciousness can indicate improved oxygenation, it is less immediate and can vary depending on the severity and duration of the oxygen deprivation. A flushed and warm skin appearance may also result from various factors such as blood pressure changes or environmental influences, and does not specifically indicate adequate brain oxygenation. Finally, the initiation of breathing alone can indicate other factors at play and is not a direct measure of oxygen supply to the brain. Thus, the pupil reaction stands out as a reliable indicator of adequate oxygen levels in the brain.