Final answer:
Rescue breaths are important for infants and children in cardiac arrest because they deliver oxygen to the lungs and body. They help maintain oxygen levels in the body, increasing the chances of recovery.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rescue breaths are important for infants and children in cardiac arrest because they help deliver oxygen to the lungs and body. During cardiac arrest, the heart stops pumping blood, which means the organs, including the brain, are not receiving oxygen. When rescue breaths are given, they help provide the necessary oxygen for the body to function.
If the brain goes without oxygen for too long, brain cells can die, leading to brain damage or death. By providing rescue breaths, emergency responders or trained individuals can help maintain oxygen levels in the body, increasing the chances of recovery.