rescue breathing

Introduction

Forcing air into the lungs of a non-breathing patient during basic life support. Mouth to mouth breathing is used outside a medical facility until EMS has arrived.

Indications

• spontaneous respirations not present
• breathing is inadequate

Procedure

• gently pinch the nose with the index finger & thumb
• make a tight seal over the patient's mouth & give 2 breaths 1 sec/breath
• during basic life support, signs of circulation are sought after initial 2 breaths
• follow with 10-12 breaths/min (adults) 20 breaths/min (1-8 years of age)
• indicators of adequate respirations
  • rise & fall of chest wall
  • detection of exhaled air
• improper chin position is the most common cause of difficult ventilation
• if ventilation is unsuccessful, use obstructed airway maneuvers
• assess indications for endotracheal intubation

More general terms

• clinical procedure

Additional terms

• basic life support (BLS)
• nasopharyngeal airway
• oral airway