Make sure the person is resting quietly
Observe the chest or abdomen rising and falling
Count each rise and fall as one breath
Use a watch or timer with a second hand
Count breaths for 30 seconds and multiply by 2
Count for a full 60 seconds if breathing is irregular
Do not let the person know you are counting if possible
Record the number of breaths per minute
Note whether the breathing is regular or irregular
Note any unusual effort, pauses, or shallow breathing