What is the correct sequence of actions for performing mouth to mouth and nose breaths for an adult?

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Created: November 2, 2017; Next update: 2020.

If you try to resuscitate someone using chest compressions only, you can’t go wrong. People who provide first aid don’t necessarily have to give the person rescue breaths: But if you feel confident that you can do it, for instance following a first aid course, you should combine chest compressions with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation – at a ratio of “30 to 2”: After doing 30 chest compressions, you give the unconscious person two rescue breaths, followed by 30 chest compressions, and so on. It’s very important to give the rescue breaths quickly, so you don’t interrupt the chest compressions for long. The rescue breaths shouldn’t take longer than ten seconds in total.

This is how to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation:

• Gently tilt the person’s head back. Use one hand to hold their chin and lift it up, then keep their mouth open using your thumb.

• Place your other hand on their forehead and pinch their nose with your index finger (pointer finger) and thumb.

• Take a normal breath, cover and seal their open mouth with yours, and blow into their mouth for about one second. Their chest should rise visibly when you breathe into their mouth, and sink again as soon as you move away.

Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation

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Bookshelf ID: NBK469734

Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation

Mouth-to-Mouth-and-Nose Resuscitation on a Child Under Age 8 or on an Infant

• Place the child on a hard, flat surface.

• Look into the mouth and throat to ensure that the airway is clear. If an object is present, try to sweep it out with your fingers. If unsuccessful and the object is blocking the airway, apply the Heimlich maneuver. If vomiting occurs, turn the child onto his or her side and sweep out the mouth with two fingers.

• Tilt the head back slightly to open the airway.

• Place your mouth tightly over the nose and mouth. Blow two quick, shallow breaths (smaller breaths than you would give to an adult). Watch for the chest to rise.

• Remove your mouth. Look for the chest to fall as the child exhales.

• Listen for the sounds of breathing. Feel for the child’'s breath on your cheek. If breathing does not start on its own, repeat the procedure.

Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation on a Child Age 8 or Older or on an Adult

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What is the correct sequence of actions for performing mouth

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