Arrested Breathing and Artificial Respiration

See if the person responds when you talk loudly to them (close to their ear) or gently shake their shoulders. If not, call for an ambulance before you begin first aid.

• Place the person on his or her back on the floor.
• Tilt the head backwards so that the chin is pointing upwards. Do this by placing two fingers under the point of the chin, lifting whilst pressing down on the subject's forehead. This position stops the tongue from blocking the throat.
• If you can see any obvious obstruction inside the mouth, use your finger to carefully remove it.
• Keep the head in this position whilst you check for breathing by:
  • Noting if the chest is rising and falling.
  • Placing an ear next to the mouth and listening for breathing.
• If there is breathing, hold the head as already described until medical help arrives
• If there is no breathing, start artificial respiration.

  How to give artificial respiration

  • Tilt the head backwards as described above.
  • Close the subject's nose by pinching it with your index finger and thumb.
  • Take a full breath and place your lips around the subject's mouth to make a good seal.
  • Breathe slowly into the subject's mouth until you see the chest rise.
  • Take about two seconds for full inflation.
  • If there is resistance, try holding the head back further and lift the chin again.
  • Repeat the procedure until help arrives or the subject starts breathing again.
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