What should be considered when performing rescue breathing?

When performing rescue breathing, maintaining an open airway at all times is paramount. The airway must be unobstructed to ensure that the breaths you deliver reach the lungs effectively. If the airway is not open, the positive pressure created when delivering breaths may not be able to enter the trachea, preventing any oxygen from reaching the patient's lungs. This is critical in a rescue scenario where the individual is unable to breathe on their own.

Establishing an open airway may involve techniques such as the head-tilt-chin-lift or the jaw-thrust maneuver, particularly in cases where spinal injury may be a concern. This fundamental aspect of rescue breathing enables the caregiver to properly and efficiently ventilate the patient, which is essential for providing necessary oxygenation and improving chances of survival.