First Aid: Rescue Breathing
Rescue breathing may be appropriate if a person collapses and stops breathing, as may occur in drowning, alcohol or drug overdose, choking, carbon monoxide poisoning, or a severe asthma attack. By breathing into another person's lungs (rescue breathing), you can supply enough oxygen to preserve life. Act quickly, because brain damage can occur after only 4 to 6 minutes without oxygen. Call 911 before you begin rescue breathing, whenever possible.
Use a protective face mask, if possible. Follow the mask's instructions.
1. Open the Airway
Place the victim on his or her back.
Press your palm against the persons forehead. At the same time hook your fingers under the chin and lift it away from the spine, as if pulling out a drawer. This tilts the head back and opens the airway.
If there is a possibility of a broken neck, the vitim would need to be placed on his or her back without moving the neck and the chin should not be extended.
2. Look, Listen, and Feel
Look to see if the chest is rising.
Listen for breathing by placing your ear near the victims mouth. Feel for a breath on your cheek.
Continue with steps 3 to 6 if youre not sure the victim is breathing.
3. Pinch and Seal
Keep the head tilted and chin raised.
Pinch the victims nose above the nostrils with your thumb and first finger. Or follow your face masks instructions.
If you don't have a protective barrier, seal your lips over the victims open mouth.
4. Blow Twice
Blow slowly and deeply until the chest rises. Pause to let the air flow out, then blow again.
If the chest doesnt rise, reposition the head and make sure the nostrils are pinched shut.
5. Check for a Pulse
6. Give More Breaths
If an adult has a pulse but is not breathing, give one breath every 5 seconds.
If a child 1-8 years hasa pulse but is not breath ing, give one slow breath every 3 seconds.
If there is no pulse, begin CPR—but only if you've had proper training.