Rescue Breaths for Child: Step-by-Step Guide for Emergencies

Children love running, jumping, and discovering the world around them. Whether they are playing outside at the park, swimming, or climbing around the house, accidents are going to occur when you least expect them. Sometimes, a child might even stop breathing because of a fall, choking, or a medical emergency like seizures, asthma, or drowning. According to the American Heart Association, over 7,000 children in the U.S. experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrests each year, and the majority are triggered by breathing problems, not heart failure.

In such situations, knowing what to do can be a lifesaver. One such skill is providing rescue breaths. This skill restores oxygen to the child’s body until medical assistance arrives. It’s vital for children because their breathing usually stops before their heart does. Yet many laypeople hesitate to intervene, often due to fear of doing harm or a lack of confidence in their skills. This guide will teach you how to safely give rescue breaths to a child, recognize when they’re needed, and avoid common mistakes during emergencies. So, keep reading.

What Are Rescue Breaths and Why Do Children Need Them?

Rescue breaths are part of CPR or may be given alone when a child has a pulse but is not breathing. Unlike adults, who usually need CPR due to heart-related issues, children often stop breathing first. Their hearts keep beating for a short time even after breathing stops, which gives you a window to act.

When oxygen levels drop too low, the brain, heart, and other organs start shutting down. Rescue breathing gives you a way to buy time until EMS can arrive and take over advanced airway management. In infants under 1 year, most respiratory arrests happen due to airway obstruction or infections. Early oxygenation is critical in children, as their brains are especially vulnerable to damage from even short periods without adequate oxygen.

Below are the common signs that indicate rescue breaths for a child are needed:

• The child is unresponsive and not breathing normally.
• Their chest is not rising and falling.
• You hear no breath sounds.
• They are gasping or making weak attempts to breathe.
• Their lips or skin look blue or pale.

If you see these signs, call for help and start CPR with rescue breaths right away if trained.

How to Give Rescue Breaths to a Child?

Step-by-Step Emergency Guide

 For children aged 1 year to puberty

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 Step 1: Check for Response

• Tap the shoulder and shout: “Are you okay?”
•  No response = unresponsive

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Step 2: Call 911

• Call emergency services or have someone else call
• Use speaker mode if alone

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Step 3: Open the Airway

• Use head-tilt, chin-lift
• Don’t overextend the neck

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Step 4: Give 2 Gentle Breaths

• Pinch the nose
• Make a tight seal over the child’s mouth
• Blow gently for 1 second each
• Watch for chest rise

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Step 5: Continue Rescue Breathing

•  If there is a pulse but no breathing:
•  Give 1 breath every 3–5 seconds
• Reassess pulse and breathing every 2 minutes

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Quick Tips:

• Use a face shield or pocket mask if available
• Only give breaths if you’re trained and it’s safe

Rescue breaths can help a child who has stopped breathing get the oxygen they need. It’s important to act quickly and follow the right steps to give effective care. A simple method to help you give rescue breaths to a child safely and correctly:

1. Ensure The Scene Is Safe

Before helping, look around to make sure the area is safe. You should not get hurt while trying to help. If there is danger like fire, traffic, or falling objects, move to a safe spot first. A safe environment is important for both the rescuer and the child.

2. Check for Responsiveness

Gently tap the child’s shoulder and speak loudly, “Are you okay, kid?” If there’s no response, no movement, sound, or eye-opening, the child is unresponsive. This means their central nervous system may not be working properly, and they need help right away. Move to the next step quickly.

3. Call for Emergency Help

If you are alone, call emergency services like 911 immediately after checking for a response. If others are nearby, ask someone to call while you start to care. Fast help from emergency medical services (EMS) improves survival chances when a child is not breathing properly.

4. Look for Normal Breathing

Look, listen, and feel for breathing for no more than 10 seconds. Watch the chest for rise and fall. Listen for breath sounds and feel for airflow from the nose or mouth. If the child is not breathing or is gasping, it’s called agonal breathing. In case of agonal breathing, you should start rescue breaths right away. According to the American Heart Association, most pediatric cardiac arrests result from breathing problems, not heart issues. That’s why early rescue breathing is critical in children.

5. Open the Airway Correctly

Use the “head-tilt, chin-lift” method. Gently tilt the head back and lift the chin upward. This straightens the airway, or trachea, and removes the tongue from blocking it. Proper airway positioning is essential for air to reach the lungs during rescue breaths for a child with a pulse. Be cautious not to hyperextend the neck in younger children, as this may collapse the airway instead of opening it.

6. Deliver the First Rescue Breath

Pinch the nose shut to prevent air from escaping. Seal your mouth over the child’s mouth and blow gently for about 1 second. Watch the chest rise; this means the air has entered the lungs. Do not blow too hard, as the child’s lung capacity is smaller. In the Pedivent study (2024), 100% of trained healthcare providers and 98% of trained lay rescuers were able to deliver effective rescue breaths that caused visible chest rise in child-sized mannequins.

7. Give a Second Gentle Breath

After the chest falls, pause briefly. Then give one more gentle breath, again watching for chest rise. If the chest doesn’t rise, reposition the head and try again; there may be a blocked airway.

In general CPR guidance, two effective rescue breaths are given after every 30 compressions. However, the European Resuscitation Council recommends that when starting resuscitation in children, you begin with five initial rescue breaths, as hypoxia is a more common cause of cardiac arrest in children than in adults. These breaths help deliver vital oxygen to the child’s bloodstream and brain.

8. Evaluate Pulse (If You’re Trained)

If you are CPR certified, check the child’s pulse at the carotid artery (side of the neck) for no more than 10 seconds. If there’s a pulse but no breathing, continue rescue breathing. You should give one breath every 3 to 5 seconds and keep watching for signs of life. If no pulse is felt, begin full CPR immediately (30 compressions: 2 breaths).

9. Continue Rescue Breathing Until Help Arrives

Keep giving rescue breaths until the child starts breathing again, emergency medical help arrives, or you become too tired to continue. Stop only if the scene becomes unsafe. Constant oxygen delivery is vital to prevent brain hypoxia (lack of oxygen to the brain). Brain damage can start within 4–6 minutes of oxygen deprivation. Your quick action can prevent lasting injury or death.

How Rescue Breathing for Children Is Different from Adults?

Children’s bodies respond differently from adults during breathing emergencies. Here’s how rescue breathing compares: 

Child	Adult
For a child, use smaller, gentler breaths to match their lower lung capacity.	For adults, give larger breaths to inflate their bigger lungs fully.
In children, give one breath every 3 to 5 seconds to maintain oxygen flow.	In adults, give one breath every 5 to 6 seconds, as their oxygen needs differ.
Use less force when breathing into a child to avoid damaging delicate lung tissue.	Use more air for an adult to ensure effective ventilation.
Gently tilt the child’s head and lift the chin to open the airway. Thus, even a slight tilt might work.	In adults, a stronger, deeper head tilt may be needed to open the trachea completely.

When Not to Give Rescue Breaths to a Child?

Rescue breaths are helpful in many emergencies, but there are times when they should not be given. Knowing when to hold off can prevent harm to both the child and the rescuer. Some important situations where rescue breaths are not recommended are:

• If the Child Is Breathing Normally

You should not give rescue breaths if the child is breathing on their own. Look for chest movement and listen for regular breathing sounds. The lungs are working, and oxygen is reaching the brain and body. Giving extra breaths can interfere with their natural respiratory process.

• If the Airway Is Blocked and Can’t Be Cleared

If something is stuck in the child’s airway and they are choking, don’t give rescue breaths right away. First, try to remove the object using back blows or abdominal thrusts. Air won’t reach the lungs if the airway is still blocked, making rescue breathing ineffective. Don’t do blind finger sweeps; only try to remove visible obstructions. 

• If the Scene Is Unsafe for You

If there is danger like fire, falling debris, or harmful chemicals, do not give rescue breaths. Your safety is important. Stay at a safe distance and call emergency services immediately. Only begin care if it’s safe to do so. Rescuers should avoid becoming secondary victims.

• If You Are Not Trained in CPR or Rescue Breathing

If you haven’t learned CPR or rescue breathing, do not attempt it without guidance. Incorrect technique can harm the child. Instead, call emergency services, follow their instructions, and stay with the child. Studies show untrained bystanders are more likely to perform rescue breathing incorrectly, potentially causing ineffective oxygen delivery or harm. Compression-only CPR is safer and easier in such cases. This means giving chest compressions only, no breaths, if you’re untrained or unsure. Getting trained in basic life support (BLS) helps you respond better in future emergencies.

Rescue Breaths vs. CPR: Knowing What Your Child Needs

When a child suddenly stops breathing or becomes unresponsive, every second counts, but the right action depends on one critical detail: does the child still have a pulse? That’s where understanding the difference between rescue breathing and CPR becomes essential. Quick Rule to Remember:

• Pulse = Rescue Breaths
• No Pulse = CPR (Compressions + Breaths). 

The table below breaks down how rescue breathing differs from CPR and how to respond appropriately based on what your child needs in that moment:

Rescue breathing	CPR
Rescue breathing is used when the child has a pulse but is not breathing.	CPR is used when the child has no pulse and is not breathing.
It only involves giving breaths to help the child get oxygen into their lungs.	It involves both chest compressions and breaths to keep blood and oxygen flowing through the body.
Rescue breathing helps deliver oxygen to the lungs and supports the respiratory system.	CPR helps circulate blood and oxygen to vital organs, including the brain and heart.
You should give one breath every 3 to 5 seconds for a child during rescue breathing.	In CPR, you give 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths, and repeat the cycle.

Read More: How to perform CPR on a baby?

How to Check a Child’s Carotid Pulse?

Before starting full CPR, it’s important to check whether the child has a pulse. In children over 1 year old, the carotid artery is the most reliable place to check. This quick assessment helps determine if the heart is still circulating blood. 

Where to Check:

Use the carotid artery, located on either side of the neck, between the windpipe (trachea) and the muscle running along the side of the neck.

How to Check:

1. Place two fingers (index and middle) on the side of the child’s neck.
2. Slide fingers into the groove next to the windpipe.
3. Press gently — do not use your thumb (it has its own pulse).
4. Feel for a beat for no more than 10 seconds.

Tip: If no pulse is felt within 10 seconds, begin full CPR (30 compressions + 2 breaths).

Common Rescue Breathing Mistakes & How to Avoid Them 

When giving rescue breaths to a child, it’s important to do it the right way to make sure it works. Some common mistakes can reduce the effectiveness or even cause harm. A few key errors to avoid when helping a child who isn’t breathing are:

1. Blowing Too Hard or Too Fast

Children have a smaller lung capacity. Blowing too hard or fast can force air into the stomach instead of the lungs, causing vomiting or injury. Vomiting can also lead to aspiration. It’s a condition where vomit enters the lungs and causes infection or blockage. Thus, give gentle breaths lasting about 1 second, just enough to see the chest rise.

2. Not Sealing the Mouth Properly

If your mouth doesn’t fully seal over the child’s mouth, air will escape. This prevents effective oxygen delivery to the lungs. Make a tight seal so the air goes into the respiratory system and not into the surroundings. For smaller children, a mouth-and-nose seal may be more effective.

3. Forgetting to Pinch the Nose

If the child’s nose isn’t pinched shut, air may leak out instead of reaching the lungs. Always pinch the nose before blowing to ensure oxygen flows directly into the airway and helps with gas exchange in the lungs.

4. Not Checking for Chest Rise

After each breath, look for the chest to rise. This shows air is entering the lungs. If there’s no chest movement, the airway might be blocked or your seal is weak. Reposition the head and try again gently.

5. Skipping Airway Positioning

Not tilting the head back and lifting the chin can leave the airway blocked by the tongue. Use the “head-tilt, chin-lift” method to open the trachea and allow air to enter the lungs properly during rescue breaths.

Helpful Tools for Giving Safe Rescue Breaths to Children

Using the right tools can make rescue breathing safer and more effective, especially for children. These devices help protect both the child and the rescuer during emergencies. Most of these items can be found in well-stocked first aid kits, purchased online through medical supply retailers, or obtained during certified CPR/BLS (Basic Life Support) training courses. Here are some helpful tools commonly used to give safe rescue breaths for an infant:

• CPR Face Shields for Safe Rescue Breaths

CPR face shields are thin plastic sheets with a one-way valve. They cover the child’s mouth and prevent direct contact. The valve allows air to enter the respiratory tract while blocking saliva or blood, reducing the risk of spreading infectious diseases between the rescuer and the child. Bench evaluation of face shields shows they reduce backflow of infectious fluids while delivering sufficient tidal volumes.

• Pocket Masks for Better Seal and Oxygen Flow

A pocket mask is a reusable device with a soft cushion and a one-way valve. One review notes they allow providers to deliver up to around 50–60% oxygen and maintain hands‑free sealing techniques. It fits over the nose and mouth to provide a secure seal. This helps direct more oxygen into the lungs and keeps the rescuer safe by reducing exposure to bodily fluids.

• Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM) for Trained Rescuers

A bag-valve-mask is a medical tool used by trained professionals. It delivers air to the lungs by squeezing the bag, forcing air through a valve and mask. This tool is very effective but should only be used by people trained in advanced airway management techniques.

• Gloves and Hand Sanitizer for Extra Protection

Wearing medical gloves protects you from contact with blood, saliva, or vomit during rescue breathing. After giving care, clean your hands with hand sanitizer or wash with soap and water. This prevents the spread of germs and protects both the rescuer and the child. CDC and WHO data emphasize how hand hygiene dramatically reduces infection risk. An effective hand hygiene program can prevent up to 50% of avoidable infections in healthcare settings.

• AED Compatibility with Rescue Breathing

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are critical in cardiac arrest situations and can be used alongside rescue breathing. If an AED is available, apply it as soon as possible, especially if the child is unresponsive and pulseless. Many AEDs come with pediatric pads or a pediatric mode, which adjusts the shock level for children. While AEDs address the heart, rescue breathing addresses oxygen supply, making both vital parts of pediatric resuscitation when used together.

Read More: How Advanced CPR Training Tools Are Changing Education in 2025

Be Prepared: Rescue Breaths Can Save a Child’s Life

Knowing rescue breaths for a child can make a big difference in an emergency. Children can stop breathing due to accidents, choking, or illness, and quick action can help save their lives. This guide taught you how to check for breathing, open the airway, give gentle breaths, and use helpful tools like face shields or pocket masks. You also learned when not to administer rescue breaths and how to avoid common mistakes. 

Every parent, teacher, or caregiver should be prepared to act in such moments. The best way to be ready is by getting proper training. Sign up for a Basic Life Support (BLS) course today and learn how to save a child’s life. Your training could make all the difference in an emergency.