Introduction To Rescue Breaths
First aid is a critical skill that can make the difference between life and death in an emergency situation. One fundamental aspect of first aid is the provision of rescue breaths, a technique that can restore breathing in individuals who are unable to do so on their own. Rescue breaths are vital for adults, children, and infants in different ways, and mastering the technique is crucial for any first responder. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various aspects of rescue breaths in first aid, including rescue breaths for adults, children, and infants, the appropriate rescue breaths rate for adults, and advanced airway rescue breaths.
Technique – Rescue breaths
1. Open the person’s airway
2. Squeeze the soft part of their nose closed with the thumb and index finger of the hand lying on their forehead.
3. Allow the mouth to spontaneously open, but maintain the chin lift.
4. Breathe in normally and place your mouth completely over the person’s mouth. Ensure an airtight seal.
5. Blow in gently for 1 second. Avoid rapid or forceful ventilation.
6. Check if their chest comes up during the rescue breath. If the chest comes up, it is an effective ventilation. If it does not:
■ Check whether there is an object in the person’s mouth. Remove any visible items that may be blocking the airway, but do not probe blindly with your finger in their mouth.
■ Check that the head is well tilted, and the chin is lifted properly.
7. Move your mouth away from the person’s mouth, but keep their head in the same position. Check if their chest descends again.
8. Repeat this technique. Breathe in again and give a second rescue breath. Do not interrupt chest compressions for more than 10 seconds to deliver the two rescue breaths, even if one or both are not effective.
Rescue Breaths for Adults
Adult rescue breathing is a crucial component of basic life support. When an adult is unresponsive, not breathing, or exhaling agonizingly, these breaths are given (gasping for breath). In these circumstances, administering rescue breaths can greatly improve the likelihood of survival. The following describes how to give adults rescue breaths:
1. Assess the Situation
Before administering rescue breaths, ensure the scene is safe for both you and the victim.
Check the victim’s responsiveness by tapping their shoulders and shouting, “Are you okay?” If there is no response, proceed.
2. Open the Airway
Place the victim on their back. Tilt their head backward and lift the chin to open the airway.
3. Check for Breathing
Check for breathing by looking for chest rise and fall and listening for breath sounds for no more than 10 seconds. If the victim is not breathing, proceed to rescue breaths.
4. Perform Rescue Breaths
- Pinch the victim’s nose to prevent air from escaping.
- Create a complete seal over the victim’s mouth with your mouth.
- Give a breath that lasts for about one second, enough to make the chest visibly rise.
- Repeat this process, administering one rescue breath every 5–6 seconds, approximately 10–12 breaths per minute.
Rescue Breaths for Children
Rescue breathing techniques for children are comparable to those for adults, although some modifications are necessary to take into account differences in size and body composition. Early intervention is essential since children are more vulnerable to respiratory distress. Here’s how to give youngsters rescue breaths:
1. Assess the Situation
Ensure the safety of the scene.
Tap the child’s shoulders and shout, “Are you okay?” If there is no response, proceed.
2. Open the Airway
- Place the child on their back.
- Tilt their head backward and lift the chin to open the airway.
3. Check for Breathing
Look for chest rise and fall.
Listen for breath sounds for no more than 10 seconds.
4. Perform Rescue Breaths
Use the same procedure as for adults when applying pressure on a youngster over the age of one’s nose, sealing the mouth, and inhaling for one second.
At a rate of 12–20 breaths per minute, administer one rescue breath every 3–5 seconds.
Since their airways are much narrower, you might need to utilize a different approach on newborns under the age of one.
Rescue Breaths for Infants
Rescue breaths for infants require special care and attention due to their delicate anatomy. Infants have smaller airways and are more susceptible to respiratory distress. Here’s how to provide rescue breaths for infants:
1. Assess the Situation
- Ensure the safety of the scene.
- Tap the infant’s feet and shout, “Are you okay?” If there is no response, proceed.
2. Open the Airway
- Place the infant on their back.
- Tilt their head slightly backward and lift the chin to open the airway.
3. Check for Breathing
- Look for chest rise and fall.
- Listen for breath sounds for no more than 10 seconds.
4. Perform Rescue Breaths
- For infants, you can use the “mouth-to-mouth and nose” technique.
- Create a seal over the infant’s mouth and nose with your mouth, as their nose is very small.
- Administer a gentle one-second breath, enough to make the chest visibly rise.
- Administer one rescue breath every 3–5 seconds, which amounts to about 12–20 breaths per minute.
Rescue Breath Rate for Adults
The efficiency of rescue breaths depends on how quickly they are given to people. While giving a rescue breath is advised every 5 to 6 seconds (or 10 to 12 breaths per minute), it’s crucial to respond to the victim’s reaction. Re-examine the airway and make an effort to strengthen the seal if the chest is not rising sufficiently. Rescue breathing should continue until the person is able to breathe on their own or until emergency medical assistance arrives.
Advanced Airway Rescue Breaths
In some cases, advanced airway management techniques are required when standard rescue breaths are ineffective, especially for individuals with certain medical conditions or injuries. Trained medical professionals typically use these advanced techniques, but basic knowledge can be beneficial in emergency situations. Here are some advanced airway rescue breath techniques:
1. Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM) Ventilation:
To provide positive pressure ventilation, a BVM device is used.
It is made up of a mask, a one-way valve, and a self-expanding bag.
Ensure a tight seal by placing the mask firmly over the victim’s face.
To provide the rescue breaths, squeeze the bag.
2. Intubation via the endotracheal:
In order to secure the airway, a tube is introduced into the trachea using this more intrusive procedure.
In a hospital or other pre-hospital setting, it is typically carried out by medical experts.
Supraglottic Airway Instruments:
When conventional approaches are difficult or unsafe, devices like the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) are utilized to maintain an open airway.
4. Mechanical Ventilation:
In advanced care settings, mechanical ventilators can be used to deliver a controlled and precise volume of air to the lungs.
It’s important to note that these advanced techniques require specialized training and should only be performed by individuals who are certified to do so.
Conclusion
Rescue breaths are a fundamental component of first aid, and they can save lives when administered correctly. Knowing how to perform rescue breaths for adults, children, and infants is essential, as it allows first responders to provide immediate assistance to those in need. Remember to assess the situation, open the airway, check for breathing, and administer rescue breaths at the appropriate rate.
Additionally, understanding advanced airway rescue breaths is valuable for medical professionals and those seeking to expand their knowledge of first aid. While the basics of rescue breathing are accessible to most, advanced techniques like BVM ventilation, endotracheal intubation, and supraglottic airway devices require specialized training and expertise.
By mastering the art of rescue breaths, you can become a more effective