Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and rescue breathing are lifesaving techniques that are highly similar, but not the same. Knowing the difference between CPR and rescue breathing can empower you to make the right choice when faced with an emergency in which someone’s life needs saving.

What Is CPR?

CPR is a procedure that is performed when the heart stops beating. According to the CDC, performing CPR on a person who has experienced cardiac arrest doubles or triples the chances of survival.

There are two types of CPR: that which is performed by those with professional training, and that which is performed by the general public or bystanders.

For those who are professionally trained, CPR is performed using chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth breathing at a ratio of 30 compressions for every two breaths. For bystanders, CPR is performed using only the hands without mouth-to-mouth breaths. Hands-only CPR is typically used when someone suddenly collapses in public, such as at a restaurant or a park.

CPR techniques vary depending on whether the victim is an adult or an infant under the age of one. Taking a CPR course and earning a CPR certification can help you learn how to perform CPR on people of all ages.

What Is Rescue Breathing?

Rescue breathing is performed when a person collapses and stops breathing. It can also be performed as part of CPR when a person’s heart stops beating.

Rescue breathing involves tilting the person’s head back to open the airway. Then, you pinch the person’s nostrils together, seal your lips over the person’s open mouth, and breathe into the mouth for one second. If the person still isn’t breathing, sets of chest compressions are followed by sets of breaths until emergency medical services arrive.

When Should I Do CPR vs. Rescue Breathing?

The main difference between CPR and rescue breathing is that CPR is performed when the heart stops beating, and rescue breathing is performed when the person stops breathing. To choose the right procedure f a person suddenly collapses, it’s important to check whether their heart is beating or if the person is breathing.

CPR should be performed when the person has no pulse, isn’t breathing, and isn’t responsive. Examples of situations that may require CPR include drowning, choking, poisoning, electrocution, and smoke inhalation.

Rescue breathing should be performed when a person stops breathing but there is still a pulse. Examples of situations that may require rescue breathing include drug overdose, stroke, choking, drowning, smoke inhalation, electrocution, or an injury due to a fall or auto accident. Rescue breathing may also be performed on those who are struggling to breathe on behalf of conditions like asthma, pneumonia, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).

Earn CPR Certification Online With the American Academy

If you would like to learn CPR and rescue breathing to save lives in emergencies, consider taking an online course and earning CPR certification.

The American Academy of CPR and First Aid, Inc. offers CPR certification online for those who prefer the convenience of at-home learning. Visit our homepage to explore our many training courses and start earning your CPR certification today.