Chapter 5: Adult CPR – Airway and Breaths

After 30 compressions:

Open the Airway

• Use the head-tilt, chin-lift technique.
• Tilt the head back slightly.
• Lift the chin.

The tongue is the most common airway obstruction in an unresponsive person.

If you see something clearly blocking the airway and it is easy to remove, remove it. Do not perform blind finger sweeps.

Give Breaths

• Pinch the nose closed.
• Seal your mouth over theirs.
• Give 2 breaths.
• Each breath should last about 1 second.
• Watch for the chest to rise.

If the chest rises, the breath is effective.

If the chest does not rise:

• Reposition the head.
• Try again.
• If still no rise, return immediately to compressions.

Give each breath just enough to make the chest visibly rise, and avoid giving breaths too quickly or too forcefully.

Continue 30:2 cycles until:

• An AED is ready
• EMS arrives
• The person begins breathing normally

Recovery Position

If the person starts breathing normally:

• Roll them onto their side.
• Support the head and neck.
• This helps prevent choking if vomiting occurs.
• Monitor breathing until EMS arrives.