When to Perform Rescue Breathing?
Posted by Sydney Pulse, APRN at 5:51 am 0 Comment Print
I. What is Rescue Breathing?
Rescue breathing, also known as mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, is a critical life-saving technique used in emergencies when a person has stopped breathing but still has a pulse. This procedure involves manually forcing air into the lungs of an individual who is not breathing on their own, providing crucial oxygen to their body and potentially preventing brain damage or death.
Understanding when and how to perform rescue breathing can mean the difference between life and death in emergencies. While it’s not always necessary or appropriate, in certain situations, rescue breathing can be the key to sustaining life until professional medical help arrives.
II. Identifying the Need for Rescue Breathing
Before initiating rescue breathing, it’s essential to correctly assess the situation and determine if it’s truly necessary. Here are the steps to identify when rescue breathing is required:
A. Checking for responsiveness
The first step is to check if the person is responsive. Gently shake their shoulders and loudly ask, “Are you okay?” If there’s no response, the person may need immediate assistance.
B. Assessing breathing
If the person is unresponsive, quickly check for breathing. Look for chest movement, listen for breath sounds, and feel for air coming from the nose or mouth. This assessment should take no more than 10 seconds.
C. Signs of respiratory arrest
Respiratory arrest, which requires immediate rescue breathing, can be identified by:
- Absence of chest movement
- No detectable breath sounds
- Lack of air feeling when you place your cheek near their nose and mouth
- Blue or purple coloration of the lips, fingertips, or skin (cyanosis)
If you observe these signs and can detect a pulse, rescue breathing is necessary. However, if there’s no pulse, full cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be performed instead.
III. Scenarios Requiring Rescue Breathing
While the need for rescue breathing can arise in various situations, there are several common scenarios where it’s often required:
A. Drowning
When a person has been submerged in water and is unconscious, they may need rescue breathing. Even if the person has been rescued from the water and appears to be breathing, they should still be closely monitored as secondary drowning can occur hours later.
B. Drug overdose
Certain drugs, particularly opioids, can suppress respiratory function. In cases of overdose, a person may stop breathing while still having a pulse, necessitating rescue breathing.
C. Electrocution
Electrical injuries can interfere with normal breathing. If a person has been electrocuted and is not breathing but has a pulse, rescue breathing may be necessary. However, ensure the area is safe before approaching the victim.
D. Severe allergic reactions
In cases of anaphylaxis, a person’s airways may become constricted, leading to respiratory arrest. Rescue breathing might be required alongside other emergency treatments like epinephrine administration.
E. Choking (after the obstruction is removed)
If a person has choked and the obstruction has been successfully removed, they may still need rescue breathing if they’re not breathing on their own.
IV. When Not to Perform Rescue Breathing
While rescue breathing can be life-saving, there are situations where it’s not appropriate:
A. If the person is breathing normally
If you can see, hear, and feel normal breathing, rescue breathing is unnecessary and could potentially be harmful.
B. In cases of cardiac arrest
If there’s no pulse, CPR (which includes chest compressions) is needed rather than rescue breathing alone.
C. Potential dangers to the rescuer
Don’t perform rescue breathing if doing so would put you at significant risk, such as in hazardous environments or if the person has signs of a communicable disease.
V. Proper Technique for Rescue Breathing
Performing rescue breathing correctly is crucial for its effectiveness. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
A. Positioning the victim
- Place the person on their back on a firm, flat surface.
- Kneel beside the person’s neck and shoulders.
B. Opening the airway
- Tilt the head back slightly by lifting the chin with one hand and pushing down on the forehead with the other.
- Check for any visible obstructions in the mouth and remove them if present.
C. Delivering breaths
- Pinch the person’s nose shut.
- Take a normal breath, then cover the person’s mouth with yours, creating a seal.
- Give two rescue breaths, each lasting about 1 second, and watch for chest rise.
- If the chest doesn’t rise, reposition the head and try again.
- Continue giving one breath every 5-6 seconds (about 10-12 breaths per minute).
VI. Rescue Breathing for Special Populations
The technique may need to be modified for certain groups:
A. Infants and children
- Use gentler breaths for infants and children.
- For infants, cover both the nose and mouth with your mouth when giving breaths.
- Give one breath every 3-5 seconds for infants and children.
B. Pregnant women
- If the woman is in the third trimester, place a wedge under her right hip to tilt her slightly to the left.
- This prevents the weight of the uterus from compressing major blood vessels.
VII. Conclusion
A. Recap of key points
Rescue breathing is a critical life-saving technique that can mean the difference between life and death in emergencies. To summarize the key points:
- Rescue breathing is necessary when a person is not breathing but still has a pulse.
- Common scenarios requiring rescue breathing include drowning, drug overdose, electrocution, severe allergic reactions, and post-choking incidents.
- It’s crucial to accurately assess the situation before performing rescue breathing.
- Proper technique involves positioning the victim, opening the airway, and delivering effective breaths.
- Special considerations are needed for infants, children, and pregnant women.
B. Importance of proper training and CPR certification Columbus
While this article provides an overview of when and how to perform rescue breathing, it’s essential to emphasize that proper training is crucial. Hands-only practice with qualified instructors can significantly improve your ability to perform this technique effectively in high-stress situations.
For those in the Columbus area, we strongly encourage you to pursue CPR certification through CPR Columbus. As an American Heart Association training site, CPR Columbus offers initial certifications and renewals in various life-saving techniques, including:
- BLS for Healthcare Providers
- ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support)
- PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)
- CPR and First Aid courses
CPR Columbus provides stress-free, hands-on classes that ensure you’re well-prepared for real-life emergencies. Their expert instructors and comprehensive courses make them the best CPR training option in Columbus.
Remember, in emergencies, every second counts, and being properly certified can make all the difference. By enrolling in a CPR certification course in Columbus, you’ll gain the confidence and skills needed to potentially save a life.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Take the first step towards becoming a life-saver today by pursuing your CPR certification in Columbus with CPR Columbus – where you’ll find the best CPR training in Columbus!