In the realm of emergency medical response, understanding the nuances of CPR techniques, including when to use rescue breathing, is crucial. Rescue breathing, also known as mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, can be a lifesaving intervention in specific scenarios. However, it is not always necessary and sometimes should be avoided. This blog post will delve into the appropriate times to use rescue breathing, as well as situations where it may not be the best choice.
What is Rescue Breathing?
Rescue breathing involves providing breaths to a person who is not breathing or is inadequately breathing. This technique helps deliver oxygen directly into the lungs, which is vital for brain function and overall survival. Rescue breathing is often combined with chest compressions in conventional CPR, particularly in cases involving children, infants, and drowning victims.
When to Use Rescue Breathing
- Children and Infants: For children and infants, rescue breathing is an essential component of CPR. Their cardiac arrests are often due to respiratory issues, so providing breaths can be critical.
- Drowning Victims: Individuals who have drowned typically need rescue breathing because their primary issue is a lack of oxygen. Breaths help to expel water from the lungs and deliver oxygen.
- Drug Overdoses: Rescue breathing can be particularly important in cases of drug overdoses, especially opioids, where breathing may be significantly impaired.
- Respiratory Arrests: In cases where cardiac arrest is caused by a respiratory issue rather than a cardiac one, rescue breathing can help provide the oxygen needed to sustain life until professional help arrives.
When Not to Use Rescue Breathing
- Untrained Rescuers: If a bystander is not trained in providing rescue breaths or is uncomfortable doing so, it is better to focus on chest compressions only. Hands-only CPR is still highly effective in many cases, especially in the first few minutes of cardiac arrest.
- Adult Sudden Cardiac Arrest: For adult victims of sudden cardiac arrest not related to drowning, trauma, or overdose, hands-only CPR is often sufficient. Immediate chest compressions can keep blood circulating until emergency services arrive.
- COVID-19 and Other Contagious Diseases: In situations where there is a risk of transmitting infectious diseases like COVID-19, bystanders may opt to perform hands-only CPR to minimize risk.
How to Perform Rescue Breathing
If you are trained and decide that rescue breathing is necessary, here are the steps to follow:
- Check Responsiveness and Call for Help: Ensure the person is unresponsive and call 911.
- Open the Airway: Tilt the person’s head back and lift the chin to open the airway.
- Give Breaths: Pinch the nose shut, make a seal over the person’s mouth, and give two breaths, watching for the chest to rise each time. Each breath should last about one second.
- Resume Chest Compressions: After giving two breaths, resume chest compressions if the person is not breathing adequately or has no pulse.
Conclusion
Knowing when to use rescue breathing can make a significant difference in emergency situations. While rescue breathing is vital for certain victims, such as children, infants, and those who have drowned, hands-only CPR is often sufficient for adults experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. Understanding these distinctions and being prepared to act accordingly can help save lives.
If you’re ready to take the next step and become CPR certified, visit Delphi CPR Training Center for more information. Their courses will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency, ensuring you’re prepared to be the help someone desperately needs.