First Aid: Rescue Breathing
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Rescue breathing may be appropriate if a person collapses and stops breathing, as may occur in drowning, alcohol or drug overdose, choking, carbon monoxide poisoning, or a severe asthma attack. By breathing into another person's lungs (rescue breathing), you can supply enough oxygen to preserve life. Act quickly, because brain damage can occur after only 4 to 6 minutes without oxygen. Call 911 before you begin rescue breathing, whenever possible.
Use a protective face mask, if possible. Follow the mask's instructions.
1. Open the Airway
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Place the victim on his or her back.
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Press your palm against the persons forehead. At the same time hook your fingers under the chin and lift it away from the spine, as if pulling out a drawer. This tilts the head back and opens the airway.
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If there is a possibility of a broken neck, the vitim would need to be placed on his or her back without moving the neck and the chin should not be extended.
2. Look, Listen, and Feel
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Look to see if the chest is rising.
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Listen for breathing by placing your ear near the victims mouth. Feel for a breath on your cheek.
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Continue with steps 3 to 6 if youre not sure the victim is breathing.
3. Pinch and Seal
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Keep the head tilted and chin raised.
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Pinch the victims nose above the nostrils with your thumb and first finger. Or follow your face masks instructions.
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If you don't have a protective barrier, seal your lips over the victims open mouth.
4. Blow Twice
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Blow slowly and deeply until the chest rises. Pause to let the air flow out, then blow again.
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If the chest doesnt rise, reposition the head and make sure the nostrils are pinched shut.
5. Check for a Pulse
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After 2 breaths, check for a pulse: Put 2 fingers on the groove between the neck muscle and the Adams apple. Feel for a pulse for 5-10 seconds.
6. Give More Breaths
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If an adult has a pulse but is not breathing, give one breath every 5 seconds.
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If a child 1-8 years has a pulse but is not breath ing, give one slow breath every 3 seconds.
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If there is no pulse, begin CPR—but only if you've had proper training.
