Rescue Breathing Instructions

There are multiple events that may cause an individual to stop breathing, including an accident, allergic reaction or sudden illness. If this occurs, you may find it necessary to breath for the unconscious individual--a process known as Rescue Breathing. By learning the proper steps and technique, you may be able to provide life-saving assistance in an emergency situation.

Things You'll Need

• Breathing mask
• CPR training
• Telephone
• Secure area

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Instructions

• 1

  Shout for help, and ask anyone within hearing range to call 911.

• 2

  Lay the victim gently on his back. Place the palm of your hand on the person's forehead, and gently press back while cupping your fingers under his chin and lifting the chin. This will cause the head to tilt back, opening the airway.

• 3

  Examine the person's chest to see if it is rising. Place your ear next to the victim's mouth. Listen for breathing and feel for breath on your cheek. If you are certain that the victim is not breathing, use two fingers--in a sweeping motion--to feel for any objects in the mouth that may be blocking the airway.

• 4

  If the mouth is clear, maintain the head tilt and raised chin. Use your thumb and first finger to pinch the nose. Place your lips over the victim's open mouth.

• 5

  Blow slowly and deeply while watching for the chest to rise. Remove your mouth, allow the air to expel and then repeat. Watch for the chest to rise again. If the chest doesn't appear to rise, reposition the head and ensure that the nostrils are securely pinched, or closed, between your fingers.

• 6

  After two breaths, check for a pulse by placing two fingers on the space between the neck muscle and Adam's Apple. Lean in toward the mouth and check for breathing. If the victim is still not breathing but has a pulse, continue the process. (Note: If there is no pulse, you will need to start CPR chest compressions.)

• 7

  Continue to give one breath every five seconds--count 1-1000, 2-1000, 3-1000, etc. between breathes--until help arrives, if it is an adult who has a pulse but is not breathing. Provide one slow breath every three seconds for children ages one to eight, if there is a pulse but no breathing. Continue to check for a pulse and breathing every 10 seconds.