How do you perform rescue breaths for an adult?

Performing rescue breaths for an adult involves a specific technique to ensure that the breaths are effective and safe. The correct method of giving rescue breaths requires sealing your mouth over the patient's mouth while pinching their nose. This is crucial because it creates a closed airway that allows for more effective delivery of air into the lungs. The recommended number of breaths is two, and each breath should last about one second. This timing allows sufficient volume of air to enter the lungs without causing excessive pressure that could lead to complications such as gastric inflation.

It's important to give the breaths slowly and observe for the rise and fall of the chest, indicating that air is entering the lungs. This method ensures that oxygen can reach the bloodstream and support the vital functions of the body until professional medical help arrives. The precise timing and technique are essential to provide the best chance of revival following cardiac arrest or respiratory failure.