When performing CPR, do you need to use rescue breathing?

Rapid, high-quality CPR increases the likelihood of survival whenever a cardiac arrest emergency occurs by giving the heart and brain oxygen-rich blood. But what exactly does high-quality CPR entail? Will chest compressions be enough? Do rescue breaths have to be given during CPR? These are the questions that are regularly asked in CPR courses.


Rescue Breathing: What is it?

Rescue breathing, often known as mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, forces air into someone's lungs. Rescue breathing is often used after someone has gone unconscious due to a heart attack or an airway obstruction. The typical method of administering rescue breaths is to exhale air into the victim's mouth.


Each Cardiac Arrest Emergency Requires Rescue Breaths Differently.

The two leading causes of cardiac arrest are subsequent and sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).


Unexpected Cardiac Arrest (SCA)

The most frequent is SCA (Sudden Cardiac Arrest), which occurs suddenly when the heart's electrical system prevents the heart from pumping, stopping progressive oxygen-rich blood flow and regular breathing. The bloodstream still contains uncirculated oxygen, though.


According to research, the remaining oxygen can be circulated for the first few minutes by chest compressions without using rescue breaths. Eliminating rescue breaths seems acceptable due to other influencing variables, such as adequately understanding how to provide rescue breaths in the first place.


Secondary Cardiac Arrest

A primary airway or breathing issue that restricts oxygen from reaching the body can result in secondary cardiac arrest. This is the frequent leading cause of cardiac arrest in youngsters. It may result from medical problems such as narcotic overdose, asphyxia, or drowning.


The heart gradually becomes weaker and slows down until it stops. Since oxygen stimulates the heart to beat quicker and become stronger, obtaining enough oxygen in the blood becomes essential. It will also cause the subsequent oxygen to penetrate the brain, enhancing respiratory effort.


Emergencies Associated With Sudden and Secondary Cardiac Arrest

When comparing SCA to secondary cardiac arrest, removing rescue breaths from CPR would make treating an SCA sufferer easier. However, a victim suffering a subsequent cardiac arrest would not benefit from it.


Since a lay practitioner cannot always diagnose the reason for a medical emergency, one must provide classical CPR with artificial respiration as the standard. However, compression-only CPR should be taught as an alternative method of administering care.


Why Qualified Rescuer Should Provide Traditional CPR

Conventional CPR aims to increase the likelihood of successful revival by circulating oxygenated blood toward the brain and heart while applying chest compressions and rescue breathing. The cornerstone of effective CPR is high-quality chest compressions, which force blood from the chest to the heart, lungs, brain, and other essential organs. However, rescue breathing is also an integral component of CPR since it delivers oxygen and ventilation necessary for the patient's survival to their lungs. But, how efficient are these exhaled breathes, though?


Room air includes around 21% oxygen. In contrast, the oxygen content of exhaled air is between 16% and 17%. Thus, the exhaled breath of a bystander has sufficient oxygen to prolong life. In conclusion, trained CPR practitioners should conduct conventional CPR with rescue breaths to increase the likelihood of survival.


Bottom Line

CPR instruction can significantly improve readiness and response time in an emergency and may even save a person's life. To make this society safer, create a safety program to ensure that everyone in your workforce is competent to address emergencies. You can rely on EMC CPR & Safety Training, LLC to administer life-saving first aid and CPR training at your workplace.