In first aid, "breathing" refers to rescue breathing, a technique used to provide air to someone who has stopped breathing or is not breathing effectively.
Understanding Rescue Breathing
Rescue breathing, also known as artificial respiration, is a critical first aid skill. It's performed when a person's natural breathing is absent or inadequate to sustain life. The goal is to manually inflate the person's lungs with air until they can breathe on their own or until professional medical help arrives.
How to Perform Rescue Breathing (Mouth-to-Mouth)
Here's a breakdown of the steps involved in performing mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing:
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Assess the Situation: Ensure the scene is safe for you and the victim.
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Check for Responsiveness: Gently tap the person and shout, "Are you okay?"
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Call for Help (or have someone else call): Immediately call emergency services (e.g., 911) or ask someone else to do so.
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Open the Airway: Use the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver. Place one hand on the forehead and gently tilt the head back. Place the fingers of your other hand under the bony part of the chin and lift the chin upward. This helps to open the airway by lifting the tongue away from the back of the throat.
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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 air on your cheek.
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If No Breathing: Pinch the nostrils shut completely using your thumb and index finger.
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Create a Seal: Cover the person's mouth completely with your mouth, making a tight seal.
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Give Initial Breaths: Give two rescue breaths, each lasting about 1 second. Watch for chest rise with each breath.
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Continue Breathing: If the chest rises with the initial breaths, continue rescue breathing, giving one breath every 5-6 seconds (about 10-12 breaths per minute) for adults. If the chest doesn't rise, re-tilt the head and try again.
Important Considerations
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Chest Rise: It is crucial to ensure the chest rises with each breath, indicating air is entering the lungs. If the chest does not rise, recheck the airway for obstructions and repeat the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver.
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Barrier Devices: Ideally, use a barrier device (such as a pocket mask or face shield) to protect yourself from potential exposure to bodily fluids. However, in an emergency, prioritize giving breaths even without a barrier device.
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CPR Combination: Rescue breathing is often performed in conjunction with chest compressions as part of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
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Children and Infants: Rescue breathing techniques vary slightly for children and infants. Consider specialized training for pediatric resuscitation.
