Final answer:
Each rescue breath during CPR should last about 1 second to ensure enough air is effectively delivered to the person's lungs. This action, complemented by chest compressions, is crucial in maintaining blood and oxygen flow, especially to the brain. Rescuers should continue CPR until professional help arrives or the individual shows recovery signs.
Step-by-step explanation:
During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), rescue breaths are crucial for providing necessary oxygen to a person’s lungs and bloodstream, which is essential for maintaining organ and brain function. Each rescue breath should last about 1 second. This duration ensures that sufficient air is delivered to the lungs without overinflating them, which could lead to injury or reduced effectiveness in circulating oxygen.
Providing rescue breaths along with chest compressions enhances the chances of survival in events of cardiac arrest by simulating the body's natural breathing process and maintaining blood flow throughout the body. High-quality chest compressions are emphasized currently, with a depth of at least 5 cm and a rate of 100 compressions per minute. However, when it comes to rescue breathing, the balance is giving just enough air to cause the chest to rise gently, without delivering the breaths too quickly or with too much force, which could potentially cause damage. It's worth noting that immediate action, including both chest compressions and rescue breaths, is vital, as irreversible brain damage can occur within minutes of oxygen deprivation.
The overall aim of CPR is to preserve life by sustaining vital functions until emergency services arrive or the person regains spontaneous contraction. Thus, it is advised to continue CPR until qualified help takes over or if the person starts to show signs of recovery.