An emergency technique in which a rescuer gives air to someone who is not breathing.
A method of inflating a person’s lungs by blowing air slowly into the individual’s mouth or nose or both.
Forcing air into the lungs of an individual who has ceased breathing or is experiencing insufficient breathing is termed rescue breathing. This technique was previously referred to as artificial respiration.
In emergency situations, rescue breathing can be administered either through mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-nose techniques to avert brain damage caused by oxygen deficiency. Prolonged lack of breathing for over three minutes can lead to fatality. If the heart ceases beating, cardiac compressions might also be required.
Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation necessitates clearing the air passage of the affected individual, sealing the nose, and delivering breath forcefully into their mouth until assistance arrives or the victim regains unassisted breathing. Mouth-to-nose resuscitation serves as an option if the victim has facial injuries. In cases where signs of circulation remain absent despite rescue breathing, cardiopulmonary resuscitation may also become necessary.
Healthcare professionals frequently opt for the “bag and mask” approach as an alternative to rescue breathing. This method involves positioning a mask over the patient’s face, and by firmly compressing the connected bag (which can be attached to an oxygen supply), the lungs are inflated. In a hospital setting, ventilation can also be facilitated using a mechanical ventilator.