What Is Rescue Breathing?

When someone stops breathing and becomes unconscious, rescue breathing is a crucial tool to revive the individual or keep him or her alive until help comes. Rescue breathing, also known as artificial respiration, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or the kiss of life, involves essentially breathing for someone else, and it is universal skill of first responders and medical professionals. Many people learn rescue breathing and CPR, especially if they work with children or in large workplaces.

When someone stops breathing, brain damage can set in within minutes, as the body suffers from lack of oxygen. By administering CPR, a person on the scene can greatly increase the probability of recovery without permanent damage. In a situation where you encounter an unconscious victim who is not breathing, you should administer rescue breathing if no one else is available to do so. You may also be asked to perform CPR when you call an emergency service such as 911 or 999.

Before administering rescue breathing, it is important to clear the scene. Look for obvious hazards and try to eliminate them. For example, if your victim has been in a car accident, you should not administer CPR in the middle of the road. Ideally, you should wear gloves and use a respiration mask to give CPR. Position your patient on his or her back, and tilt the head back slightly to open the airway. Check for an obvious obstruction in the airway before beginning, and confirm that the person is not breathing.

Pinch the patient's nose shut gently and then position your mouth over the patient's to make a seal. Breathe into the patient's mouth, checking to see that his or her chest rises. Wait five seconds, repeat the breath, and check the patient's pulse. If the patient has no pulse, you will need to administer CPR. Otherwise, keep breathing every five seconds for the patient until he or she is able to breathe solo, or until emergency services arrive and take over for you.

If it becomes clear that your breath is not going into the patient's lungs, he or she has an obstructed airway. Use a gloved hand to gently pull the patient's jaw open, and look into the patient's throat for signs of an obstruction. You can swipe the obstruction out with the forefinger of your other hand, or you may need to use abdominal thrusts to force it out. If the patient vomits, turn him or her on his side.

Infants and children require one breath every three seconds, and they need to be handled with care to avoid the risk of injury. To maximize your effectiveness at giving rescue breathing and CPR, you should take a certified class.