Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation Pronunciation: ˈmau̇th-tə-ˈmau̇th ri-ˌsəs-ə-ˈtā-shən
Definition: Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is a life-saving technique used in CPR, where a person breathes into the victim’s mouth to fill their lungs with oxygen. The procedure involves sealing the rescuer’s lips over the victim’s mouth and giving two slow and steady breaths while watching for chest rise, indicating that air is entering the lungs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation
When should mouth-to-mouth resuscitation be used?
Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation should be used when a person isn’t breathing or their breathing is inadequate due to a life-threatening event such as cardiac arrest, near-drowning, or choking. However, in some situations, like sudden cardiac arrest in adults, compression-only or hands-only CPR (which does not involve mouth-to-mouth breaths) is usually recommended.
Is it safe to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation?
While mouth-to-mouth resuscitation can be life-saving, there is a small risk of disease transmission if a barrier device is not used. Rescue breaths should ideally be given using a mask or barrier device. However, in a life-threatening emergency, if a barrier device is not available, doing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation without one is better than doing nothing at all.
What’s the difference between mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and CPR?
Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is one component of CPR. CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, includes both chest compressions and rescue breaths (like mouth-to-mouth resuscitation). The goal of CPR is to combine the efforts of circulating blood (via compressions) and providing oxygen (via rescue breaths) to help a person in cardiac arrest.
More Articles
