# Rescue Breaths

## Overview

This module describes how to give rescue breaths in a patient who is unable to breathe independently.

## Indications

## Contraindications

See Patient information and consent.

## Patient information and consent

This procedure is done when a patient is unresponsive, so consent is generally implied. But patients with “Do Not Resuscitate” (DNR) orders, “Not For Max” orders, or living wills that specify that no resuscitation may be performed, should not be resuscitated.

## Preparation

#### Equipment

## Site & Positioning

To perform rescue breaths, a patient should be lying flat on their back on a firm surface. There should be space behind the head of the bed for staff to stand.

## Procedure

## Troubleshooting

I don’t see chest rise.

Don’t panic or try to force air by squeezing harder.

- Adjust the patient’s head position
- Ensure optimal positioning of ear lobe to sternal notch
- Use an oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway
- Re-adjust your EC grip and feel for leaks
- Try a two handed EC grip with another person squeezing the BVMR to ventilate
- Add a PEEP valve to your BVMR

If unsuccessful, call for help with the airway.

The valve on the bag is making squeaking noises.

This means the valve is “popping” open, which releases air because the pressure in the mask is dangerously high. Air may not be entering the patient’s lungs. Check that you are not over-squeezing the bag, and check the steps for chest rise above.

## Risks

## References