What is the purpose of rescue breaths?

The purpose of rescue breaths is to provide oxygen to the lungs of an unresponsive, non-breathing individual. When someone is not breathing, their body is deprived of oxygen, which is essential for survival. Administering rescue breaths allows a responder to supply this critical oxygen directly into the individual’s lungs. This intervention is particularly important in scenarios such as cardiac arrest or choking where breathing has ceased.

Inserting rescue breaths into the rescue process can help maintain the oxygen levels in the blood and support the functioning of vital organs until more advanced medical help arrives or until the individual starts breathing on their own. This technique is a fundamental component of CPR, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that the unresponsive person receives the necessary oxygenation to potentially revive them or keep them stable until further treatment is available.