What is the correct procedure for giving rescue breaths?

Pinching the nose shut while giving rescue breaths is the correct procedure because it helps to ensure that air enters the lungs rather than escaping through the nose. When a child is unresponsive and not breathing, effective rescue breaths are essential to provide oxygen to their body. By pinching the nose, you prevent any leaks and create a seal that allows the breath to flow directly into the mouth and down the airway.

This method also prevents a scenario where air might escape, which could reduce the effectiveness of the breaths being given. It is important during rescue breaths to maintain proper technique to maximize the chances of reviving the child and supporting their breathing until medical help can arrive.

Other methods, such as giving breaths without pinching the nose or covering only the mouth, do not ensure the same effectiveness and may lead to improperly administered rescue breaths. Additionally, continuously blowing without pauses is not effective and can result in overinflation of the lungs, which is dangerous. Therefore, pinching the nose and breathing into the mouth is the standard and effective approach for delivering rescue breaths.