What is the main objective when providing rescue breaths?

The primary objective of providing rescue breaths is to deliver oxygen to the lungs. In situations where a patient is not breathing effectively or at all, their body is deprived of oxygen, which is essential for survival and crucial for the normal functioning of vital organs, including the brain. By administering rescue breaths, the rescuer aims to re-establish oxygen exchange in the lungs, allowing oxygen to enter the bloodstream and be transported to tissues and organs throughout the body.

When rescue breaths are executed correctly, they enable the introduction of oxygen-rich air into the lungs, mitigating the effects of hypoxia (lack of oxygen) and safeguarding the patient’s organs during a critical period before further medical intervention can be implemented. This underscores the importance of the technique and the timing of delivering rescue breaths in an emergency situation, as effective oxygenation is vital for the patient's recovery chances.