Artificial respiration

From ArticleWorld

Artificial respiration is a first aid technique used to provide the necessary air supply to a person who is not breathing, but whose heart is still beating. It involves an executor, who is breathing into the receiver's lungs, through a barrier device if available. Artificial respiration can be performed either stand-alone, during resuscitation from near-drowning situations, but also as part of the larger cardiopulmonary resuscitation operations. It is a fundamental first aid skill, and all certified first responders are expected to be able to perform such an operation.

The procedure

Artificial respiration should be done only in victims who are in respiratory arrest. Artificial respiration provided to a person who still breaths, although very weakly, may further complicate his or her conditions. If the executor cannot determine for sure that the receiver is in cardiac arrest, he should report the accident and only then proceed to artificial respiration.

It is recommended that a special CPR mask is used, so that direct contact with body fluids of the receiver is avoided. If a CPR mask is not available, at least a cotton handkerchief should be used.

At first, the air should be mechanically forced to enter the lungs, a procedure known as insufflation. Two or three insufflations are often enough to restore breathing. If not, the artificial respiration procedure should be applied. The receiver's head should be tilted, in order to extend the airways. If the patient's mouth can be opened, the receiver will use it to blow the air. If not, he should seal the lips and blow into the nose. The receiver will not swallow his tongue. The executor takes a deep breath, puts his mouth on the receiver's mouth and gently blows into the patient's airways. Breaths shouldn't last too long (ideally no longer than two seconds) so that the air doesn't get into the stomach.

If the receiver recovers spontaneously, he should be placed in the recovery position and medical help should be waited for. If not, the executor must continue with CPR procedures.