Quick Answer
To perform rescue breaths safely after drowning, follow the American Heart Association's (AHA) guidelines for CPR. Keep the head tilted back, chin lifted, and provide two breaths with the airway open, followed by 30 chest compressions. Use a bag-valve-mask (BVM) device if available.
Preparing for Rescue Breath
Before initiating rescue breaths, ensure the person’s head is tilted back and chin lifted to achieve an open airway. The tongue should not be obstructing the airway. If the person is unresponsive, check for a pulse and breathing. If the pulse is absent, start CPR.
Performing Rescue Breath
Pinch the nose shut and provide a breath lasting one second with an airway open. The chest should rise with each breath. Use a BVM device if available, and set the pressure to 15-20 cmH2O. Provide two breaths in a row, followed by 30 chest compressions. The ratio of breaths to compressions is 2:30.
Considerations for Cold Water Immersion
When rescuing someone from cold water, be aware of hypothermia and cardiac arrest risks. Cold water immersion can cause cardiac arrest within minutes, making timely CPR crucial. If the person is unconscious, start CPR immediately, even if you’re not sure if the person is breathing. Use a BVM device to provide warm, humidified air.
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