Rescue Breathing Technique: Step-by-Step Guide for Adults, Children & Infants

Current AHA Guidelines (2020) emphasize Compressions First (C-A-B) for cardiac arrest. Rescue breaths are critical for respiratory arrest, drowning, overdose, and pediatric arrest.

Adult Rescue Breathing (With Pulse, No Breathing)

1. Verify scene safety; check responsiveness.
2. Call 911 / activate EMS; get AED.
3. Check breathing & pulse simultaneously ≤10 sec (carotid).
4. If pulse present but no breathing/abnormal (gasping):

• Head tilt–chin lift (jaw thrust if trauma suspected).
• Pinch nose; seal mouth with yours (or pocket mask/BVM).
• Give 1 breath over 1 second – watch for chest rise.
• If chest rises: give 1 breath every 5–6 sec (10–12/min).
• If no chest rise: reposition head, reattempt; if still no rise → suspect obstruction → 30 compressions, check mouth, remove visible object, reattempt breaths.
• Recheck pulse every 2 min.

Pediatric Adjustments

• Infant (<1 yr): Cover mouth AND nose with your mouth; 1 breath over 1 sec; 20–30 breaths/min.
• Child (1 yr–puberty): Same as adult but 1 breath every 3–5 sec (12–20/min).
• Two-Rescuer CPR: 15:2 compression:ventilation ratio.

Key Points

• Each breath: 1 sec, visible chest rise, avoid excessive volume (gastric inflation → aspiration).
• Barrier devices (pocket mask, BVM) preferred over mouth-to-mouth.
• If untrained/unwilling: Hands-Only CPR (compressions only) for adult sudden collapse – better than nothing.

Rescue breathing is a life-saving skill. Take a certified BLS/Heartsaver course for hands-on practice.