When should rescue breaths be given to an infant?

Rescue breaths should be given to an infant after confirming that the infant is unresponsive and not breathing. This step is critical in the chain of survival, as ensuring that the infant isn't breathing indicates that they are in a state of respiratory failure, thus requiring immediate intervention. Providing rescue breaths can help supply oxygen to the baby and is essential when initiating lifesaving measures in such situations.

In this context, it’s important to remember that CPR for infants follows the principle of assessing responsiveness and breathing first. If an infant shows no signs of breathing or unresponsiveness, rescue breaths—along with chest compressions—are vital components of the CPR process to restore breathing and circulation.