CPR: What to Do When Chest Doesn't Rise During Rescue Breaths

If the chest doesn't rise with rescue breaths, suspect airway obstruction. Follow this sequence:

1. Check for Obstruction: Open mouth, look for visible object; remove if seen. Ensure tongue isn't blocking airway (head-tilt/chin-lift).
2. Reposition Head: Re-apply head-tilt/chin-lift; try jaw thrust if trauma suspected.
3. Attempt Breaths Again: Give 2 breaths; watch for chest rise.
4. If Still No Rise — Begin Choking Protocol:
   • Adult/Child: 30 chest compressions → check mouth → remove object if visible → attempt 2 breaths. Repeat.
   • Infant: 5 back blows → 5 chest thrusts → check mouth → attempt breaths. Repeat.
5. Continue Cycles until object expelled, chest rises, or EMS arrives.
6. Call 911/EMS immediately if not already done.

Key: High-quality compressions are priority. Do not delay compressions for prolonged airway maneuvers if alone—compressions may dislodge object.