Page 34 - EMS CPR Manual V1

Causes of Ineffective Breathing
Breathing may be absent or ineffective as a result of:
• Direct depression of, or damage to, the breathing control
centre of the brain
• Upper airway obstruction
• Paralysis or impairment of the nerves and/or muscles of
breathing
• Problems affecting the lungs
• Drowning
• Suffocation.
Delivery of Rescue Breaths
Prior to commencing Rescue Breaths it is important to ensure that the airway is clear and open. This involves an initial visual check of the casualty’s mouth and then opening the airway. Further information on Airway management can be found in the ‘Airway’ section.
Rescue Breathing Techniques
Failure to maintain head tilt and chin lift is the most common cause of obstruction during resuscitation.
When ventilating or breathing for a casualty the amount of expired air (volume of expansion) delivered to the casualty should be consistent with the table below.
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RESCUE BREATHING