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How to Provide Rescue Breathing for an Adult During First Aid

Many types of injury can cause breathing to stop, depriving the brain of precious oxygen. Rescue breathing - also known as "mouth to mouth resuscitation" - can save a life.

Things You'll Need

  • Breathing Masks
  • Wilderness First Aid Classes
  • First Aid Kits
  • Latex Gloves
  • First Aid Classes
  • Notebooks
  • Pens
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Instructions

  1. Initial Assessment

    • 1

      Determine whether the surrounding scene is safe. (See "How to Maximize the Safety of an Emergency Scene During First Aid.")

    • 2

      Determine whether the injured person is breathing. (See "How to Check Airway, Breathing and Circulation.")

    • 3

      Position the injured person on his or her back, being extremely careful not to move or twist the head, neck or spine. If several rescuers are present, use their assistance to minimize this danger. (For a related technique, see "How to Logroll an Injured Person During First Aid.") If not, continue with the steps below.

    • 4

      Maintain an open airway while you pinch the injured person's nose shut.

    • 5

      Give two long, slow breaths, being sure to maintain a seal between your mouth and his or hers.

    Rescue Breathing

    • 6

      Check again for breathing and pulse (see "How to Check Airway, Breathing and Circulation").

    • 7

      Give one slow breath every five seconds for 12 breaths, if the person is still not breathing but has a pulse.

    • 8

      Repeat the steps in this section until help arrives, until the injured person begins breathing again, or until you are too exhausted to continue.

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