Rescue Breathing

For Persons Over 8 Years Old

1.   Shout for help. Call 9-1-1!

2.   Gently put the person on his or her back.

3.   Open the airway: With one hand, tilt the head back; with 2 fingers of the other hand, lift the chin up. See A. If the airway is still blocked, tilt the head gently and slowly until the airway is open. {Note: If you suspect a head, neck, or back injury, lift the chin without tilting the head back. See B.}

4.   Check for breathing for 5 seconds. If the person is breathing, keep the airway open. Look for other problems.

5.   If the person is not breathing, pinch the nose shut. Forming a tight seal, place your mouth over the person’s open mouth. See C. Give 1 full breath for 2 seconds. Pause to breathe yourself. Give a second full breath for 2 seconds.

6.   If the person’s chest does not rise up, go to First Aid for Choking.

7.   If the chest rises, check for Circulation Signs. (See page 353.) If none, do rescue breathing until the person breathes on his or her own or until medical help arrives. Give 1 full breath every 5 seconds for 1 minute. Recheck breathing for 5 to 10 seconds. Repeat as needed.

8.   If there are no Circulation Signs, begin CPR, if trained to do so.

For Infants and Children Under 8 Years Old

1.   Do steps 1 to 3 at the top of this page, but do not tilt an infant’s head back too far to open the airway. Do not pinch the nose.

2.   Cover an infant’s mouth and nose with your mouth. See D. Blow 2 slow breaths (1 to 1¹/₂ seconds per breath) to make the chest rise.

3.   For a small child, pinch the nose closed. Cover his or her mouth with your mouth. Blow 2 slow breaths  (1 to 1¹/₂ seconds per breath) to make the chest rise.