Mouth-to-mask rescue breathing is a technique used in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to provide oxygen to an unresponsive patient. It involves the rescuer placing a mask over the patient’s mouth and nose, then providing air breaths into the mask. This technique is used when it is not possible or safe for the rescuer to perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
If no barrier devices are available on the scene, like a bag valve mask, it is up to you if you are comfortable doing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. If not, call 911 and perform chest compressions only or Hands-Only CPR. The American Heart Association recommends the Hands-Only CPR technique for lay rescuers who are not trained in CPR or are not comfortable giving rescue breaths.
After the AED gives an electric shock, you still need to continue giving chest compressions and rescue breathing. You have two minutes to do the CPR steps before the AED instructs you to stand clear so that it may begin re-analyzing the heart rhythm to determine whether a second shock is necessary.