Final answer:
A sole rescuer should not administer CPR breaths without proper training due to the risk of causing serious injuries. CPR certification is essential for safely and effectively performing CPR, particularly in critical situations such as rescuing an unconscious drowning person.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is not recommended for a single rescuer to administer breaths for CPR without proper training. The technique, while life-saving when correctly applied, can cause severe injuries like broken ribs or a broken sternum if performed incorrectly. Specifically, improper hand placement on the sternum can drive the xiphoid process into the liver, leading to potentially fatal outcomes.
Because of such risks and the need for efficiency in emergency situations, it is crucial that individuals receive CPR certification through accredited courses provided by colleges, hospitals, the American Red Cross, or commercial companies. Moreover, immediate CPR is critical for a person who is unconscious in the water with a sealed airway due to the muscular spasm of the larynx, as implementing CPR within minutes significantly improves chances of recovery. This holds true even if a cardiac arrest has occurred, as long as the brain has not been without oxygen for more than approximately six minutes.