Breathing CPR, more accurately referred to as rescue breathing or ventilation, is a component of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) that involves providing breaths to someone who has stopped breathing or is not breathing effectively. It's often performed in conjunction with chest compressions.
Understanding Breathing CPR (Rescue Breathing)
Rescue breathing aims to provide oxygen to the lungs of a person who is not breathing adequately. This is crucial because the brain and other vital organs require a continuous supply of oxygen to function. When breathing stops, oxygen levels in the body rapidly decline, leading to potential organ damage and death.
How Breathing CPR Works (For Adults):
- Ensure Scene Safety: Check the surroundings to ensure it is safe for both you and the victim.
- Check for Responsiveness: Gently tap the person and shout, "Are you okay?"
- Call for Help: If the person is unresponsive, immediately call emergency services (911 in the US) or ask someone else to do so. If possible, get an AED (Automated External Defibrillator).
- Open the Airway: Use the head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver. Place one hand on the forehead and gently tilt the head back. With the other hand, lift the chin. This helps to open the airway by moving the tongue away from the back of the throat.
- Check for Breathing: Look, listen, and feel for breathing for no more than 10 seconds. Look for chest rise and fall, listen for breath sounds, and feel for breath on your cheek.
- Give Rescue Breaths:
- Pinch the person's nose closed.
- Make a complete seal over the person's mouth with your mouth.
- Give two breaths, each lasting about 1 second. Watch for the chest to rise with each breath.
- If the chest does not rise, re-tilt the head and try again. If the chest still doesn't rise, suspect an airway obstruction.
- Begin Chest Compressions (if no signs of life): After giving two rescue breaths, begin chest compressions. Place the heel of one hand in the center of the person's chest (lower half of the breastbone). Place the other hand on top of the first and interlock your fingers. Compress the chest at least 2 inches deep at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
- Continue CPR: Continue cycles of 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths until professional help arrives, the person shows signs of life, or you are too exhausted to continue.
Important Considerations:
- Hands-Only CPR: Current recommendations emphasize chest compressions as the primary component of CPR, especially for bystanders who are not trained or comfortable giving rescue breaths. Hands-Only CPR involves continuous chest compressions without rescue breaths.
- Barrier Devices: Using a barrier device, such as a pocket mask, is recommended to reduce the risk of disease transmission during rescue breaths.
- Training: Proper CPR training is crucial for performing CPR effectively and safely. The American Heart Association and the American Red Cross offer CPR courses.
Why Breathing CPR is Important
Breathing CPR is a critical intervention that can help maintain oxygen flow to the brain and other vital organs until more advanced medical care is available. By providing breaths, you are helping to keep the person alive and increasing their chances of survival.
While chest compressions are vital, rescue breaths provide much needed oxygen that the body is lacking when breathing has stopped.
