How to Perform CPR and Rescue Breathing Correctly

Before administering rescue breaths, it's crucial to clear the mouth of any foreign objects. If the person has dentures, they should be removed first. To open the airway, use the head-tilt, chin-lift technique. Once the airway is properly opened, you can proceed with mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-mask ventilation. Each breath should last more than one second and be sufficient enough to cause the chest to rise visibly, indicating effective ventilation.

Combining Chest Compressions with Rescue Breathing

When a person is not breathing and has no pulse, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) must include both chest compressions and rescue breaths. The correct ratio is 30 compressions to 2 breaths. After every 30 high-quality chest compressions, provide two rescue breaths. This cycle should be repeated continuously until emergency medical help arrives or the person begins to show signs of life.

Maintaining Breathing Support with a Pulse

If the victim still has a pulse or has been provided with an advanced airway, such as an endotracheal tube or supraglottic airway, the rescuer should deliver one rescue breath every six seconds. This equates to approximately 10 breaths per minute. It's important to maintain a consistent rhythm while ensuring that each breath is effective and causes visible chest rise.