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First Aid: Rescue Breathing

Rescue breathing is needed if a person collapses and stops breathing. In CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), rescue breathing may also follow chest compressions if a person's heart is not beating. A person may need rescue breathing in the following situations:

  • Near drowning

  • Overdose or poisoning

  • Choking

  • Carbon monoxide poisoning

  • 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 3 minutes without oxygen.

  • If the person is a baby or child (age 1 to puberty) and he or she is not breathing but has a pulse, give 1 rescue breath every 3 to 5 seconds or about 12 to 20 breaths per minute.

  • If the person is a baby or child (age 1 to puberty) and he or she is not breathing and has no pulse, do chest compressions and rescue breathing for 2 minutes (5 cycles) of 30 compressions and 2 rescue breaths, then call 911. Push fast, at least 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Give 1 breath every 6 seconds (10 breaths/minute).

  • In adults, call 911 first and do the following:

    • If the person is not breathing but has a pulse, give 1 rescue breath every 5 to 6 seconds or about 10 to 12 breaths per minute.

    • If the person is not breathing and has no pulse and you are not trained in CPR, give hands-only chest compression CPR without rescue breaths.

    • If the person is not breathing and has no pulse and you are trained in CPR, begin CPR, giving 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. Push hard and fast.

  • Note: If you are alone, not trained in CPR, and a phone is nearby, call 911.

Protective face mask

You may use a protective face mask.  Follow the instructions that came with the mask.

Step 1. Open the airway

  • Place the victim on his or her back.

  • Press your palm against the person's 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 head, neck, or spin injury, place the victim on his or her back without moving the neck or chin.

Step 2. Check for breathing

  • Look to see if the chest is rising.

  • Listen for normal breathing (not gasping for air).

  • If there is no normal breathing, start mouth-to-mouth breathing as described in Steps 3 to 5.

Step 3. Pinch and seal

  • Adults and children (age 1 to puberty):

    • Keep the head tilted back and chin up

    • Pinch the victim's nostrils together with your thumb and first finger. Or follow your face mask instructions.

    • If you don't have a protective barrier, seal your lips over the victim's open mouth. 

    • Note: If the victim's mouth can't be opened, you can seal your lips over the victim's nose.

  • Babies (up to age 1):

    • Cover the baby's nose and mouth with your mouth or a protective barrier. 

Step 4. Start with 2 "rescue" breaths

  • Adults and children (age 1 to puberty):

    • Breathe into the victim's mouth for 1 second. Watch for the chest to rise.

    • If the chest rises, breathe into the victim's mouth a second time.

    • If the chest doesn't rise, tilt the victim's head back and chin up again. Then breathe into the victim's mouth a second time.

  • Babies (up to age 1):

    • Give 2 gentle puffs or breaths of air instead of a deep breath. Each puff should last 1 second.

    • If the chest rises, breathe a gentle puff or breathe into the victim's mouth a second time.

    • If the chest doesn't rise, tilt the victim's head back and chin up again. Then breathe into the victim's mouth a second time.

    • If the chest still doesn't rise, check inside the mouth for a foreign object after chest compressions. If an object is visible, sweep the mouth with your fingers and remove the object. Take care not to push the object further into the throat.

Step 5. Give more breaths

  • Adults and children (ages 1 to puberty):

    • Give 2 breaths after 30 chest compressions until the person starts breathing or emergency medical services arrive.

  • Babies (up to age 1):

    • Give 2 breaths after 30 chest compressions until the infant starts breathing or emergency medical services arrive.

It is best to be prepared in the event of an emergency. Look for classes offered by your local hospital, the American Heart Association, or the American Red Cross in your area or on the Internet.

Online Medical Reviewer: Eric Perez MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Kenny Turley PA-C
Online Medical Reviewer: Maryann Foley RN BSN
Date Last Reviewed: 5/1/2020
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