A method of giving artificial respiration. The person lies on his or her back, then the firstaider brings the person’s hands together on the chest and moves them above the person’s head.
Follow these steps in administering this type of first aid. Clear the air passages of any obstruction that can be reached with the finger and lay the patient on his back, placing something under his shoulders to raise them, Allow the head to drop back. Kneel at the patient’s head and grasp his arms at the wrists; then cross his arms and press them firmly over the lower chest—this forces air out of the lungs. Release the pressure and, with a sweeping movement upwards and outwards above his head, pull the arms backwards towards the ground —this movement should cause air to enter the lungs. Repeat these movements about 12 times a minute, taking two seconds for the chest pressure and three seconds for the arm movements. With the patient on his back there is a danger of his inhaling vomit, mucus, or blood, and this risk can be reduced by keeping his head extended, turned to one side, and a little lower than the trunk. If an assistant is available, he should press the lower jaw so that the chin juts out; this carries the tongue out of the way and prevents it from falling backwards and causing an obstruction.