In CPR, how should rescue breaths be delivered?

• A. Head tilted forward, mouth open, blow with no seal
• B. Mouth-to-mouth with the head in neutral position
• C. Head tilted back, nose pinched shut, a good seal between the mouths, and watch for chest rise
• D. Blowing into the chest directly

Answer: (C)

Delivering rescue breaths that actually ventilate the lungs requires opening the airway and creating a tight seal so air goes into the lungs rather than escaping. Start by tilting the head back and lifting the chin to open the airway and move the tongue away from the back of the throat. Pinch the victim’s nose shut and place your lips firmly over their mouth to form a good seal. Give a breath slowly and watch for the chest to rise, which shows air is entering the lungs. If the chest doesn’t rise, reposition and try again. Blowing with the head in a neutral position or without a seal won’t ventilate effectively, and blowing directly into the chest isn’t how rescue breaths are delivered.