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mouth-to-nose-resuscitation

Mouth-to-nose: Rescue breathing, breaths per minute, rate, airway management, oxygen

Mouth-to-nose: Rescue breathing, breaths per minute, rate, airway management, oxygen

Mouth-to-nose (MTN) breaths are a type of rescue breathing used in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This technique is used when the mouth cannot be opened or when the rescuer does not have access to a barrier device.

Breaths per minute: MTN breaths are delivered at a rate of 10-12 breaths per minute, slightly slower than the rate for mouth-to-mouth (MTM) breaths.

Airway Management: When delivering MTN breaths, it is important to ensure that the airway remains open and unobstructed. The rescuer should tilt the head back and lift the chin up to open the airway. If there is any debris or vomit present in the airway, it should be cleared before beginning rescue breathing.

Oxygen: The oxygen concentration of MTN breaths can vary depending on how well-oxygenated the rescuer’s breath is. Generally speaking, it is best to use an oxygen source such as an oxygen mask or bag valve mask during CPR. This will help ensure that adequate oxygenation levels are maintained during rescue breathing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it advisable to breathe in through the infant's mouth when choking?

If two rescuers are present, it is unnecessary to pinch the victim's nose while waiting for the other rescuer to finish compressing the chest. Instead, you only need to pinch the victim's nose after the other rescuer gives chest compressions, and it's your turn to give rescue breathing.

If two rescuers are present, is it still necessary to pinch the adult victim's nose while waiting for the other rescuer to finish chest compression?

If two rescuers are present, it is unnecessary to pinch the victim's nose while waiting for the other rescuer to finish compressing the chest. Instead, you only need to pinch the victim's nose after the other rescuer gives chest compressions, and it's your turn to give rescue breathing.

When giving CPR to an infant, am I supposed to pinch their nose?

It's unnecessary to pinch the infant's nose when giving rescue breaths. You can seal their mouth and nose using your mouth only and perform mouth-to-nose resuscitation. You can only pinch the infant's nose if you cannot cover both mouth and nose entirely with your mouth. When giving rescue breath to an infant, the CPR ventilation rate is 1 breath every 6 seconds or 10 breaths per minute.

References

  • American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science 2020 https://eccguidelines.heart.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/2020-AHA-Guidelines-for-CPR_FINAL_web_2Oct20_v3a_JRC_Optimized_DGT_.pdf
  • National Health Service UK - Mouth To Nose Breathing https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-andconditions/emergencies/cardiacarrest/cpr--cardiopulmonaryresuscitation--adult#mouthtonosebreathing