If the victim is not breathing, how many breaths should you give?

If the victim is not breathing, how many breaths should you give?

• A. One
• B. Two
• C. Three
• D. Four

Answer: (B)

When someone isn’t breathing, the immediate goal is to ventilate the lungs so oxygen can reach the bloodstream. You should give two rescue breaths, each lasting about one second, and watch for the chest to rise with each breath to confirm air is entering the lungs. Two breaths establish ventilation quickly and set the stage for continuing CPR. Giving only one breath may not adequately inflate the lungs, while more than two breaths early on can interrupt chest compressions and risk blowing air into the stomach. After two breaths, proceed with chest compressions if there is no pulse.

When someone isn’t breathing, the immediate goal is to ventilate the lungs so oxygen can reach the bloodstream. You should give two rescue breaths, each lasting about one second, and watch for the chest to rise with each breath to confirm air is entering the lungs. Two breaths establish ventilation quickly and set the stage for continuing CPR. Giving only one breath may not adequately inflate the lungs, while more than two breaths early on can interrupt chest compressions and risk blowing air into the stomach. After two breaths, proceed with chest compressions if there is no pulse.