How can rescuers verify effective ventilation during CPR?

Observing the chest rise with each breath is the most effective way for rescuers to verify that ventilation is occurring during CPR. When a rescuer provides breaths, whether through mouth-to-mouth or using a bag-valve-mask device, it is crucial to ensure that the air being delivered is actually inflating the lungs. By watching for the chest to rise, the rescuer can confirm that air is entering the lungs, which indicates successful ventilation.

This method is immediate and provides visual feedback, allowing the rescuer to adjust their technique if the chest does not rise, indicating that ventilation may not be adequate. It is a clear, observable sign that helps ensure the victim is receiving the necessary life-saving breaths during CPR.

Other methods, such as listening for gurgling sounds, checking for a pulse, or counting breaths per minute, do not provide as direct or reliable a measure of effective ventilation as observing chest rise does. Gurgling sounds may not indicate proper ventilation, checking for a pulse is more related to circulation than ventilation, and counting breaths does not confirm whether air is entering the lungs effectively.