Rescuers can ensure they are providing effective breaths by observing the patient's chest to see if it rises with each breath given. A visible chest rise indicates that air is entering the lungs properly. If the chest does not rise, rescuers should reposition the patient’s head to open the airway and adjust the mask or mouth seal to prevent air leaks. Delivering slow, controlled breaths of about one second duration is recommended to avoid over- inflation and complications such as gastric inflation. Using proper techniques like the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver to open the airway and ensuring a tight mask seal when using devices like bag-mask ventilation is also critical for effective breaths.
Key Steps for Effective Rescue Breaths
- Position the patient on their back on a firm surface.
- Open the airway using the head-tilt, chin-lift or jaw-thrust maneuver.
- Achieve a proper seal between mouth or mask and patient’s face to prevent air leakage.
- Deliver slow, steady breaths over about one second each.
- Watch for the chest to rise with each breath to confirm effectiveness.
- If no chest rise is observed, reposition head and mask and try again.
Common Errors to Avoid
- Delivering breaths too quickly or forcefully, which can cause gastrointestinal inflation.
- Incomplete mask seal leading to air escaping.
- Improper airway positioning causing obstruction and ineffective ventilation.
Regular training and practice with CPR and bag-mask devices help rescuers maintain skill and confidence in delivering effective breaths during emergencies.
