What Is Rescue Breathing?

Rescue breathing, also known as the rescue breathing technique, is a lifesaving first aid technique that involves manually delivering breaths into the lungs of a person who is not breathing or has difficulty breathing. Often referred to as artificial respiration, it helps maintain oxygen supply to vital organs, bridging the gap until professional medical assistance arrives.

This technique plays a critical role in emergency situations, such as cardiac arrest, drowning, or respiratory distress, and is often used in conjunction with chest compressions during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Properly administering rescue breathing can be the difference between life and death, making it an essential skill for both professionals and the general public.

Why Rescue Breathing Is Critical

Oxygen is essential for survival, as it fuels the brain, heart, and other vital organs. When someone stops breathing, their oxygen levels drop rapidly. Without intervention:

• 4–6 minutes: Brain cells begin to die due to lack of oxygen.

• 10 minutes or more: Irreversible brain damage and death can occur.

Rescue breathing helps restore oxygen flow, maintaining critical organ function until professional care can take over. It is especially vital in situations where breathing has been disrupted but the heart may still be beating.

The Mechanics of Rescue Breathing

Rescue breathing works by providing positive-pressure ventilation, manually inflating the person’s lungs to supply oxygen and remove carbon dioxide.

Two Primary Methods:

1. Mouth-to-Mouth:

• The most common method, known as mouth to mouth resuscitation, where you seal your mouth over the person’s mouth to deliver breaths. Blowing air into the person's mouth is crucial to supply oxygen during emergencies.

2. Mouth-to-Mask:

• A barrier device, such as a face mask or bag-valve mask (BVM), is used to minimize disease transmission and ensure safety for the rescuer.

When Is Rescue Breathing Appropriate?

Rescue breathing is appropriate in various life-threatening emergencies:

You should give rescue breaths in scenarios such as when a person is not breathing but has a pulse, using techniques like mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-nose.

1. Cardiac Arrest (with CPR and Rescue Breathing)

• When a person’s heart stops beating, rescue breathing is combined with chest compressions as part of CPR to restore both circulation and oxygenation.

• Recommended for infants, children, and drowning victims, where oxygen deprivation is often the primary issue. Hands-only CPR is an alternative method that involves performing compressions alone and is particularly useful for bystanders who are uncomfortable providing rescue breaths.

2. Breathing but Unconscious

• If a person is unresponsive and breathing inadequately but still has a pulse, rescue breathing alone can provide critical support until professional help arrives.

3. Drowning or Near-Drowning

• Drowning victims often experience severe oxygen deprivation due to water inhalation. Immediate rescue breaths are crucial to expel water and deliver oxygen to the lungs.

4. Drug Overdose or Respiratory Distress

• Opioid overdoses or other respiratory failures may cause a person to stop breathing. Rescue breathing provides temporary oxygenation while waiting for naloxone or emergency care.

Is Rescue Breathing Different From CPR?

Rescue breathing and CPR are two distinct techniques used in emergency situations, each serving a unique purpose. While they are often performed together, understanding their differences is crucial.

Rescue breathing is specifically designed to provide artificial breaths to a person who has stopped breathing. This technique is vital in situations where the individual has a pulse but is not breathing adequately. By delivering rescue breaths, you help maintain oxygen flow to the body until emergency medical services arrive.

On the other hand, CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a more comprehensive process that combines chest compressions with rescue breaths. CPR is essential when a person’s heart has stopped beating, as it aims to restore both blood flow and oxygenation to the body. The chest compressions help circulate blood, while the rescue breaths provide the necessary oxygen.

In some cases, rescue breathing can be performed on its own, particularly in instances of respiratory arrest where the person has stopped breathing but still has a pulse. However, if the heart has also stopped, CPR, which includes both chest compressions and rescue breaths, is necessary to increase the chances of survival.

Understanding when to use rescue breathing alone and when to perform full CPR is critical. For example, in cases of respiratory arrest, rescue breathing may suffice. But in cardiac arrest, combining chest compressions with rescue breaths is essential to restore vital functions.

Situations Where You Should Not Do Rescue Breathing

While rescue breathing is a critical lifesaving technique, there are specific situations where it should not be performed. Knowing these exceptions is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of the individual in distress.

• Normal Breathing and Pulse: If the person has a pulse and is breathing normally, rescue breathing is unnecessary. Instead, monitor their condition and seek medical attention if needed.

• Severe Head or Neck Injury: In cases of severe head or neck injuries, avoid moving the person unnecessarily. Improper handling can exacerbate the injury. Focus on calling emergency medical services immediately.

• Severe Chest or Abdominal Injury: If the person has a severe chest or abdominal injury, performing rescue breathing could cause further harm. Prioritize getting professional medical help.

• Cardiac Arrest Without CPR Training: If the person is experiencing cardiac arrest and you are not trained in CPR, performing rescue breathing alone is insufficient. Call for emergency medical services and seek help from someone trained in CPR.

• Newborns: Rescue breathing for newborns (babies up to 4 weeks old) requires a different approach. Specialized training is necessary to handle such delicate situations appropriately.

It’s crucial to remember that rescue breathing should only be performed by individuals who have received proper CPR training. If you are unsure about how to perform rescue breathing or CPR, it’s best to seek immediate medical attention rather than risking incorrect application.

Additionally, if you notice that the person’s chest does not rise with each rescue breath, or if you are uncertain about the effectiveness of your technique, stop and seek professional help immediately.

Proper training in rescue breathing and CPR is essential to ensure these techniques are performed correctly and effectively. Consider enrolling in a CPR training course to gain the necessary skills and confidence to respond in emergencies.

Steps to Administer Rescue Breathing

To perform rescue breathing effectively and safely, follow these step-by-step guidelines:

1. Assess the Situation

• Ensure the area is safe for you to approach.

• Tap the person and shout, “Are you okay?” to check for responsiveness.

• Look for signs of breathing (chest movement) and check for a pulse.

• Call for Help: If the person is unresponsive, call 911 or ask someone nearby to call for emergency assistance.

2. Open the Airway

• Lay the person flat on their back on a firm surface.

• Use the head-tilt, chin-lift method to open the airway:

  • Place one hand on their forehead and gently tilt their head back.

  • With your other hand, lift their chin forward to open the airway.

• Check for visible obstructions (e.g., food, blood, or foreign objects). Do not blindly sweep the mouth—this can push obstructions further in.

3. Seal and Breathe

• Pinch the Nose Shut: Use your thumb and index finger to close the person’s nostrils.

• Create a Seal: Place your mouth completely over the person’s mouth to ensure a tight seal.

• Deliver the First Two Breaths:

  • Take a normal breath and exhale gently into the person’s mouth.

  • Watch for chest rise to confirm effective ventilation.

  • Each breath should last about 1 second.

• Allow the chest to fall before delivering the next breath.

4. Continue Rescue Breathing

• Administer 1 breath every 5–6 seconds for an adult (about 10–12 breaths per minute).

• For infants and children, provide 1 breath every 3–5 seconds (12–20 breaths per minute).

• Continue rescue breathing until:

  • The person starts breathing on their own.

  • Professional medical help arrives.

  • The rescuer becomes too exhausted to continue.

Precautions and Common Pitfalls

Rescue breathing must be performed carefully to avoid complications. Follow these precautions:

1. Avoid Forceful Breaths

• Blowing too forcefully can overinflate the lungs, leading to pneumothorax (air leaks into the chest cavity) or pushing air into the stomach, causing vomiting.

2. Use Barrier Devices

• When possible, use a face mask or barrier device to minimize disease transmission. Portable pocket masks are widely available for trained rescuers.

3. Tailor Techniques for Infants and Children

• For infants, cover both the nose and mouth with your mouth.

• Deliver smaller, gentler breaths to prevent lung injury.

Who Should Be Trained in Rescue Breathing?

While rescue breathing is a critical skill for medical professionals and first responders, it is also valuable for the general public.

1. Healthcare Professionals:

• Doctors, nurses, EMTs, and paramedics receive extensive training in advanced rescue breathing techniques.

2. First Responders:

• Police officers, firefighters, and lifeguards are often the first to arrive at emergencies and must be trained in rescue breathing and CPR.

3. General Public:

• First aid and CPR training programs, like those offered by MyCPR NOW, include rescue breathing as part of their core curriculum.

• Parents, teachers, and caregivers benefit from knowing rescue breathing, especially for children and infants.

The Future of Rescue Breathing

1. Technological Advancements:

• Devices such as automated resuscitators and improved bag-valve masks (BVMs) make ventilation more efficient and safer for both patients and rescuers.

2. Updated Guidelines:

• Medical research continues to refine rescue breathing protocols to improve survival outcomes. Keeping up with updated guidelines through regular training is essential.

The Bigger Picture: Why Rescue Breathing Matters

Immediate Intervention Saves Lives

Rescue breathing provides critical oxygen to the brain and heart in the critical moments before emergency responders arrive. Without intervention, the chances of survival decrease dramatically within minutes.

Community Preparedness

When more individuals are trained in rescue breathing and CPR, communities become safer and more responsive in emergencies. Every trained person contributes to a network of care that can make a real difference.

Conclusion: Be Ready to Save a Life

Rescue breathing is a simple yet life-saving technique that everyone should learn. Whether you’re responding to cardiac arrest, drowning, or respiratory failure, your quick action can provide the oxygen needed to keep someone alive.

By participating in first aid and CPR training programs, like those offered by MyCPR NOW, you gain the confidence and skills to respond effectively when seconds matter most.

Remember: Knowledge is power, and rescue breathing is a powerful tool that could help you save a life.