Rescue breathing is a lifesaving technique. It helps when someone stops breathing. You give them oxygen by breathing into their mouth. This method supports life until breathing returns to normal or help arrives.
Rescue breathing can be done alone or with CPR. The method changes based on if the person is an adult or a child.
This article covers the basics of rescue breathing. It explains when it is needed and how it differs from CPR.
What is rescue breathing, and when is it needed?
Oxygen keeps us alive. It enters the lungs, moves through tiny air sacs, and then goes into the bloodstream. From there, it travels to important organs and tissues.
Rescue breathing, called mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, is a crucial lifesaving technique. It’s used when someone isn’t breathing because of respiratory arrest.
Breathing can stop in emergencies like trauma, medical issues, or blocked airways.
- an injury due to a fall, a car accident, or an electrical shock
- near-drowning
- a stroke
- Something is stuck in the windpipe.
- Conditions that hinder breathing include pneumonia, asthma, and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
- a drug or alcohol overdose
- An inhalation injury from breathing in smoke or chemical fumes.
Rescue breathing means blowing air into someone’s mouth. This gives them oxygen and keeps them stable until help arrives.
How does rescue breathing differ from CPR?
Rescue breaths can be used alone or with CPR. This often raises questions about how they differ.
Rescue breaths help when a person has a pulse but isn’t breathing. When both breathing and heartbeat stop, someone needs to perform CPR. It combines chest compressions with breaths.
Cardiac arrest often comes after respiratory arrest. So, CPR is usually the main response in emergencies, not rescue breaths.
Are there situations where rescue breathing shouldn’t be done?
Rescue breathing isn’t always recommended. This is true in some CPR situations.
In 2010, the American Heart Association (AHA) updated its CPR guidelines. This change came from new evidence and research.
- People without CPR training give hands-only CPR. This type of CPR uses only chest compressions. You keep a steady rhythm until help arrives.
- Chest compressions come before rescue breathing. The ABCs of first aid are now CAB. This change puts chest compressions first, helping responders act faster in emergencies.
The new approach focuses on chest compressions first. Opening the airway and giving breaths can slow down care. Starting compressions immediately helps to circulate oxygen-rich blood to vital organs.
Studies back this shift in approach. A 2017 review found that chest compression-only CPR results in higher survival rates than CPR with rescue breaths.
How to do rescue breathing for an adult
Step 1: Call 911
If someone isn’t breathing and won’t respond, call 911 right away. You can also ask someone else to call while you help.
Important notes: If someone has a pulse but isn’t breathing, it’s vital to know how to help them breathe:
- Gasps can happen when someone isn’t breathing right. But don’t confuse these sounds with normal breathing.
- Respiratory arrest may occur before the heart stops. If you notice the pulse is gone, start CPR without delay.
Step 2: Open the airway.
For rescue breaths to work, the airway must be open and free of obstructions. Ensuring a clear airway is the first step in providing effective breaths.
- Place your hand on their forehead.
- Gently tilt their head back.
- Use the fingers of your other hand to carefully lift their chin upward.
Step 3: Give rescue breaths
With the airway now open, you’re ready to begin giving rescue breaths to help the person breathe:
- Pinch the person’s nose shut with your fingers. This keeps air from escaping as you give a rescue breath.
- Cover their mouth with yours to make a tight seal. This way, air goes straight into their lungs.
- Gently breathe into their mouth, with each breath lasting around one second. Try to deliver one breath every five to six seconds, totaling about 10 to 12 breaths per minute.
- Watch for the chest to rise during the first rescue breath. If it doesn’t, reopen the airway before trying again.
- Keep giving rescue breaths until the person begins breathing again or help arrives.
Note: If the mouth is too hurt for mouth-to-mouth, you can give rescue breaths through the nose instead.
Are the steps different for a child or an infant?
Rescue breathing for kids and babies is like adults, but there are key differences.
Technique
The method for giving rescue breaths may vary based on the child’s size.
- Infants and small children. When giving rescue breaths, create a seal over both the mouth and nose. If that’s not possible, switch to either mouth-to-nose or mouth-to-mouth.
- Older children. Use the mouth-to-mouth technique.
FAQs
What is mouth-to-mouth breathing in CPR?
Mouth-to-mouth breathing in CPR is when the rescuer breathes into the victim’s mouth. This helps deliver oxygen. Rescue breathing is important for someone who isn’t breathing or having a hard time. This is true even if they still have a pulse.
What is the sign for mouth-to-mouth rescue breaths?
Give rescue breaths if a person has a pulse but isn’t breathing properly. Oxygen delivery is crucial in cases like respiratory arrest, drowning, or drug overdose.
Did they remove rescue breathing from CPR?
Current guidelines focus on chest compressions for rescue CPR. This is especially true for untrained bystanders, who may not provide rescue breaths. Rescue breaths are still part of CPR for trained people. This is particularly important in emergencies with kids or when someone stops breathing.
When should rescuers use CPR with breaths instead of compression-only CPR?
Rescue CPR with compressions and breaths is best for respiratory arrests. This includes situations like drowning, suffocation, or cases involving children and infants. For adults in sudden cardiac arrest, compression-only CPR works well until help arrives.
How do I give effective mouth-to-mouth rescue breaths?
To give effective mouth-to-mouth breathing in CPR, open the airway, pinch the nose, seal your mouth over theirs, and give a slow breath lasting about one second. Check for chest rise. Give one breath every 5 to 6 seconds if the person has a pulse but isn’t breathing. Repeat as needed.
Conclusion
In emergencies, if someone stops breathing, giving rescue breaths can save lives. Chest compressions are key in CPR now, but mouth-to-mouth breathing is still important. It matters most in cases of respiratory arrest or when treating children. Knowing when to perform rescue CPR is key. Adjusting your method based on the situation helps you respond well. Rescue breathing is a lifesaving skill. It needs to be done, whether alone or with compressions. This care is crucial until help arrives.
