MOUTH-TO-MOUTH VENTILATION IN CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION, IS IT A NECESSITY?

Abstract

Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) plays a crucial role in improving survival rates of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), which has become increasingly prevalent and is now among the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Despite CPR being critical for survival, the rates of both lay people and professionals performing it continues to drop, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. There has been a debate about whether mouth-to-mouth ventilation (rescue breathing) is necessary during CPR. Some believe it has been a major obstacle to people's willingness to perform the life-saving technique. This review explores research suggesting that rescue breathing is unnecessary for CPR.