Performing Rescue Breathing: Guidelines, Procedures, application in Children, and Additional Details
In emergency situations where someone is not breathing adequately, performing rescue breathing can be a lifesaver. This first-aid technique oxygenates a person, helping to keep them alive until advanced help arrives. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to perform rescue breathing in various scenarios.
Rescue Breathing for Adults
To perform rescue breathing on an adult, first, open the airway using the head-tilt, chin-lift method. Pinch the nose shut, cover the person’s mouth with yours, and give 2 breaths each lasting about 1 second, ensuring the chest rises visibly. Rescue breaths are given after 30 chest compressions during CPR, but if the person is breathing inadequately and has a pulse, rescue breaths alone can be given at a rate of approximately 1 breath every 5 to 6 seconds (10-12 breaths per minute) until normal breathing resumes or advanced help arrives.
Rescue Breathing for Children
The process for performing rescue breathing on children is similar to adults, with a few adjustments. Open the airway with a head tilt and chin lift. Pinch the child’s nose closed, cover the mouth, and give 2 rescue breaths lasting about 1 second each with visible chest rise. If two rescuers are present during CPR, the compression-to-breath ratio is 15:2; alone, it remains 30:2. Be gentle to avoid over-inflation. When performing rescue breathing only, give breaths every 2-3 seconds (about 20-30 per minute).
Rescue Breathing for Infants
For infants, use a more gentle approach—open the airway with slight head tilt and chin lift (avoid overextension). Cover both the infant’s mouth and nose with your mouth and give 2 gentle breaths lasting about 1 second each, just enough for the chest to rise visibly. CPR compression-to-breath ratios for infants are the same as for children: 30:2 solo rescuer and 15:2 for two rescuers. Rescue breathing rate if no compressions are needed is similar to children but must be delicate due to smaller lung size.
Cardiac Arrest (all ages)
In cases of cardiac arrest, where the person is unresponsive with no pulse, CPR is indicated. This involves cycles of chest compressions combined with rescue breaths. For adults, the ratio is 30 compressions to 2 breaths; for children and infants, it’s 30:2 for solo rescuers and 15:2 for two rescuers. Chest compressions maintain circulation, while rescue breaths provide oxygen.
When to Use Rescue Breathing Alone vs. CPR
Rescue breathing alone is used when there is no or inadequate breathing but the victim has a pulse (e.g., respiratory arrest without cardiac arrest). The goal is to provide oxygen until normal breathing returns. On the other hand, CPR (compressions + rescue breathing) is used when there is no pulse (cardiac arrest) to manually circulate oxygenated blood to vital organs until spontaneous circulation returns or advanced care arrives.
Summary
Here's a summary of the techniques for performing rescue breathing and CPR in various scenarios:
| Scenario | Airway Technique | Breaths per Cycle | Compression-to-Breath Ratio | Notes | |-------------------|------------------------|---------------------------------|-----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | Adult Rescue Breathing | Head tilt-chin lift | 2 breaths after 30 compressions (during CPR) or every 5-6 seconds if pulse present | 30:2 | Normal chest rise, avoid over-inflation | | Child Rescue Breathing | Head tilt-chin lift | 2 breaths after 30 compressions (solo) or 15 compressions (two rescuers) | 30:2 (solo), 15:2 (two rescuers) | Cover mouth, pinch nose; be gentle | | Infant Rescue Breathing | Slight head tilt and chin lift | 2 breaths after 30 compressions (solo) or 15 compressions (two rescuers) | 30:2 (solo), 15:2 (two rescuers) | Cover mouth and nose; very gentle breaths | | Pulse present but no breathing | Open airway, give breaths every 5-6 seconds (adult) or 2-3 seconds (child/infant) | N/A | Rescue breathing only | | Cardiac Arrest | Open airway, give breaths after compressions | 2 breaths per cycle | 30:2 adult; 30:2 or 15:2 child/infant | CPR with compressions and rescue breaths |
Remember, perform rescue breathing gently, ensuring chest rise to avoid harm. CPR incorporates rescue breaths and chest compressions when the heart is not beating. Always ensure airway is clear before rescue breathing or CPR.
In an emergency, always call for help immediately and locate a defibrillator if possible. The American Red Cross has a video showing how to perform hands-only CPR. Stay safe and be prepared to save a life.
In the realm of health-and-wellness, understanding rescue breathing is crucial for first aid and safety situations. This technique, applicable to adults, children, and infants, can provide vital oxygen and potentially save lives in instances of inadequate breathing or cardiac arrest. On the flip side, fitness-and-exercise routines may promote physical well-being and help maintain overall health, but it's equally important to prioritize mental health, ensuring we take care of our emotional well-being as well.
