First Aid: Rescue Breathing

By breathing into another persons lungs (rescue breathing), you can supply enough oxygen to preserve life. Act quickly, because brain damage can occur after only 4 to 6 minutes without oxygen. Call 911 before you begin rescue breathing, whenever possible.

1. Open the Airway

• Place the victim on his or her back.

• Press your palm against the persons 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. 

2. Look, Listen, and Feel

• Look to see if the chest is rising.

• Listen for breathing by placing your ear near the victims mouth. Feel for a breath on your cheek.

• Continue with steps 3 to 6 if youre not sure the victim is breathing.

3. Pinch and Seal

• Keep the head tilted and chin raised.

• Pinch the victims nose above the nostrils with your thumb and first finger. Or follow your face masks instructions.

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

4. Blow Twice

• Blow slowly and deeply until the chest rises. Pause to let the air flow out, then blow again.

• If the chest doesnt rise, reposition the head and make sure the nostrils are pinched shut. 

5. Check for a Pulse

• After 2 breaths, check for a pulse: Put 2 fingers on the groove between the neck muscle and the Adams apple. Feel for a pulse for 5-10 seconds.

6. Give More Breaths

• If an adult has a pulse but is not breathing, give one breath every 5 seconds.

• If a child 1-8 years hasa pulse but is not breath ing, give one slow breath every 3 seconds.

• If there is no pulse, begin CPR—but only if you've had proper training.