Giving mouth to mouth resuscitation, or CPR, is a life-saving technique used when someone has stopped breathing. The spelling of this word can be confusing due to the number of vowels and consonants involved. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled /ˈɡɪvɪŋ maʊθ tə maʊθ rɛˌsʌsɪˈteɪʃən/. The key to correctly pronouncing this word is to emphasize the stressed syllables, which are marked with a symbol (ˌ) over them. With practice, anyone can spell and say this word with confidence.
Giving mouth to mouth resuscitation, also known as rescue breathing or mouth-to-mouth respiration, is a technique used in first aid to provide artificial respiration to a person experiencing respiratory distress or cardiac arrest. This life-saving procedure involves the act of blowing air into the person's lungs to facilitate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, helping to maintain the flow of oxygenated blood to vital organs until further medical assistance arrives.
During mouth to mouth resuscitation, the rescuer positions themselves beside the affected individual, tilts their head back gently while lifting the chin, and pinches the person's nostrils closed to ensure that air enters through the mouth only. The rescuer then forms a seal by placing their mouth over the person's mouth, exhales forcefully, and observes for chest rise while ensuring that air does not escape. This process is repeated every few seconds to mimic a natural breathing rhythm.
By providing oxygen directly to the person's lungs, mouth to mouth resuscitation helps to restore normal breathing patterns and prevent brain damage resulting from oxygen deprivation. It is essential to be cautious while performing this procedure to avoid excessive force, as it may lead to injuries or complications. Given its significance, mouth to mouth resuscitation is commonly taught in first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) training programs, empowering individuals to act swiftly and effectively in emergencies involving breathing difficulties or cardiac arrest.