CPR – Mouth to Mouth

Mouth to Mouth breathing is considered the easiest and most readily available option as it does not require any special equipment to perform. Mouth to Mouth breathing is performed by opening the victims airway (head-tilt/chin-lift), covering the victims mouth completely with your mouth, pinching the victims nose (to keep the oxygen from escaping back out the nose), and giving a regular breath for about 1 second into the victim. When giving the breath you should see the chest rise. Let the victim exhale and give the second breath just as you did with the first breath.

If you do not see the chest rise and fall with each breath, readjust the head, making sure you have the airway open and attempt the breaths again. If the breaths do not make the chest rise and fall for a second time – move on to circulation and compressions.

Despite the typically low risks of exposure during mouth to mouth breath many people are hesitant to provide mouth to mouth breathing to someone who they do not know. Mouth to Mouth breathing risks are real and may expose the rescuer to viral infections such as H1N1, the Flu, or Herpes. Rescuers should use their judgment and internal comfort when considering who and when to provide rescue breathing.

Next: Mouth to Mask

Related First Aid & CPR Articles:

• CPR – Breathing
• CPR – Mouth to Mask
• Compression Only CPR Recommended
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation – CPR Guide – CPR Steps – CPR Guidelines – How To Perform CPR
• New CPR Guidelines 2010
• What do you do if a patient wakes up during CPR?
• CPR Compression to Breath Ratio
• CPR – Special Considerations when using an AED
• CPR – Automated External Defibrillators or AEDs
• CPR – Healthcare Provider CPR Considerations