Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a critical skill that can help in saving life of an individual. Traditional approach to CPR involves performing rescue breathing and chest compressions. However, recently there has been reports that have challenged the need for rescue breathing.

While there are certain situations in which chest compression-only technique is sufficient, the reality is that there are a number of situations in which rescue breathing is important. Here we will shed light on rescue breathing and chest compressions-only CPR, and also where they are applicable.

Compression-Only CPR

Hundreds of thousands of lives are claimed by cardiac arrest that occur at the outpatient setting. Successful resuscitating is difficult the victim of a heart attack receives the medical help. Chest compressions can increase the odds that a person survives a heart attack.

Compression-only CPR is adequate in case a person has suffered a heart attack. There is no need to provide mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. According to the American Heart Association, the use of compression-only CPR is adequate for a person who has experienced sudden heart attack in an outpatient setting. The statement was offered after realizing the fear or cultural deterrent of mouth-to-mouth breathing to bystander response.

In the compression-only CPR, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is not provided to the person. The rescuer does not pause to offer rescue breathing.

Rescue Breathing

Rescue breathing is also known as mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. The technique is effective in victims who are not breathing, or their breathing is irregular or slow. It is performed to ensure that the oxygen is delivered to the vital parts of the body so that the victim survives. In order to reduce the risk of transmission of disease, a mask or other barriers can be used when performing rescue breathing.

Rescue breathing is essential in a number of situations. Here are some of the situations in which the mouth-to-mouth resuscitation skill is important.

  • Drowning victim
  • Drug overdose victim
  • Victims who collapse due to breathing trouble
  • Unresponsive children and infants

Recue breathing can help in case a person’s breathing is severely impaired. The technique can help save life of an individual whose breathing is intermittent or extremely shallow i.e. after every five to ten seconds. In such a situation, rescue breathing should be performed as soon as possible. It is the quickest way to get the much needed oxygen inside a person’s body. Without immediate delivery of oxygen, a person can die.

Learning about CPR is vital. Your fear of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation should not prevent you from learning about this life saving skill. Compression-only CPR can suffice in a lot of emergency situations. The best way to get CPR certification is to enroll in a CPR class online. You should also regularly renew the certification to ensure that you know about the latest techniques regarding first aid and CPR.