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Chapters CE Credits Validity Cost Duration ECC Exam Attempts Wallet Card
13 4.0 2 Years $14.95 1-2 Hrs Compliant Unlimited Download/Print/Mail
  • Chapters13
  • CE Credits4.0
  • Validity2 Years
  • Cost$14.95
  • Duration1-2 Hrs
  • ECCCompliant
  • Exam AttemptsUnlimited
  • Wallet CardDownload/Print/Mail

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Chapter 5: Adult CPR – Airway and Breaths

Once you’ve completed 30 chest compressions, the next step in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is to open the airway and deliver two rescue breaths. If you’re able to give breaths safely, you’ll improve the victim’s chances of recovery even more.

  • Opening the Airway
    To give effective breaths, you first need to make sure the airway is open and free of obstructions. The tongue is the most common reason a person’s airway becomes blocked. If you can clearly see an object and it can be safely removed, do so.
    • Use the head-tilt, chin-lift technique:
    • With one hand, gently tilt the head back and pinch the nose.
    • With the other hand, lift the chin. This motion helps open the airway.
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  • Giving Breaths
    Keep the airway open, pinch the person’s nose, and create a tight seal over their mouth with yours. If you have a breathing barrier, use it.
    • Give 2 rescue breaths, each lasting 1 second.
    • Watch to see the chest rise and fall between each breath.

If the breaths don’t go in, return to chest compressions and continue the 30:2 cycle. Never pause compressions for more than 10 seconds.

Keep going, 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths, at a pace of 100 to 120 compressions per minute, until emergency medical services (EMS) or an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) arrives, or the person begins to show signs of life.

If the person starts breathing again, gently roll them onto their side in the recovery position. This helps fluids drain from the mouth and keeps the airway open. Be careful to support the neck, head, and back while moving them.

Note (2021 Interim Guidance): Some responders may hesitate to give breaths due to concerns about disease transmission. If you’re unable or unwilling to give breaths, hands-only CPR is still recommended.

This chapter is part of your Online CPR/AED Course and builds your confidence in delivering rescue breaths effectively when every second counts.