What is the role of rescue breathing in CPR?

Rescue breathing plays a crucial role in CPR by ensuring that the victim receives adequate oxygen, particularly when the heart is not effectively pumping blood. In situations where a person's heart has stopped beating adequately or at all, the body is deprived of oxygen, which can lead to irreversible organ damage and death if not addressed swiftly.

When performing rescue breathing, the rescuer delivers breaths directly into the victim’s lungs, allowing oxygen to circulate throughout the body. This process is vital because even if the heart is not functioning, providing oxygen can help maintain some level of oxygenation in the blood, which is essential for the survival of brain cells and other organs.

Ensuring that the victim receives enough oxygen is especially important during the initial moments of a cardiac event since prolonged lack of oxygen can lead to significant harm within minutes. Therefore, rescue breathing is a critical component of CPR, aimed at sustaining life by maintaining adequate oxygen levels in the body until further medical help can arrive or until the heart can be restarted.