Is Rescue Breathing (Mouth to Mouth) Still Part of CPR Training?

 

Rescue breathing, also called assisted ventilations had been a part of basic life support for many years. Basic life support programs are often termed CPR classes, when in reality CPR is one intervention within the BLS program. Rescue breathing in the past has been part of professional and community level BLS programs but has since been emphasized more for professionals in recent years. It is important to understand that rescue breathing can be provided to any victim of respiratory arrest whether adult or pediatric. However, the likely hood of an unresponsive person who is not breathing "only" needing breaths is slim. Most victims of respiratory arrest are also in cardiac arrest as well. For this reason community level providers are instructed to provided CPR (breaths and chest compressions) upon determining that an adult victim is unresponsive and not breathing.

This is advised without checking for a pulse. Note that this is community level basic life support and not professional level basic life support. For community providers that find a child or infant unresponsive and not breathing, it is advised that the provider check for a pulse for no more then 10 seconds to determine if rescue breathing is needed or CPR is needed. Why is this so? Children are less likely to suffer sudden cardiac arrest as adults. Generally speaking, children tend to stop breathing first before they go into cardiac arrest. Whether by trauma, poisoning, choking or some other kind of misfortune, respiratory arrest most often precedes cardiac arrest in the pediatric patient.

Therefore, community providers are advised to check the pulse of the unresponsive pediatric patient prior to starting chest compressions but NOT the adult....Confused yet? There's more.... Professional level basic life support programs advise professionals to always check for a pulse for no more then 10 seconds prior to starting chest compressions on any unresponsive victim regardless of age. The reason is because professionals are expected to have more frequent practice at handling unresponsive victims and consequently more likely to accurately locate the pulse if it is present. Some community providers have never checked the pulse of an actual person and are less like like to do it correctly then someone that has had the actual practice.

Whatever the level of skill, this truth remains the same: People who are breathing do not need chest compressions. Even if you cannot find a pulse. Consistent breathing is always an indication of a working heart. In contrast, anyone who is not breathing but has a pulse needs rescue breathing by someone who knows what they are doing, not someone who is just going to blow in their face. The person who is not breathing and has a pulse will suffer cardiac arrest and need CPR if breathing is not provided.

So to make a long story short....if you are not a professional and have a CPR training be sure the check the pulse of any pediatric patient who is not breathing prior to doing CPR. If there is a pulse but they are not breathing, breathe for them. If they have no pulse and oyu are sure they are NOT breathing then start CPR. If you are a professional and have taken professional level CPR (or Health Care Provider Level) you already know that you should be checking the pulse on any unresponsive victim who is not breathing regardless of age.

 

ACLS Certification - PALS Classes

 

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Learn how to Draw & Paint. Classes are taught by internationally known artist, Greg Storer. Classes are semi-private. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Classes are offered on Tuesdays (9am-12pm and 4pm-7pm), Wednesdays(9am-12pm) and Saturdays(10am-1:0pm and for younger kids 1:30pm-3:30pm). Check http://www.stoart.com.com for class times, cost and other information. New Studio is located at 108 C East Church St, Mason, OH 45040
Call Greg at 513.403.6255 and come for a visit!
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An eclectic array of selected artists compete at Gallery 42. A variety of mediums have been entered into the show including painting, mixed media,
photography, and fine art jewelry. Please join us at the opening reception on November 14 from 4-8pm where winners will be announced. Wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres served. Exhibit will run through January 5, 2010.

Abstract works by Jackie Frey and watercolors/mixed media by Kadie Sanders. Opening reception is November 14 from 4-8pm with wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres served. Exhibit runs through December 9.