2. When is This Life-Saving Technique Needed?
A variety of medical emergencies and accidents can cause a person to stop breathing, a condition known as respiratory arrest. In these situations, immediate intervention with artificial respiration is required. The table below outlines some of the most common causes.
| Situation/Cause | Why Breathing Stops |
| Drowning | The lungs fill with water, which physically blocks the intake of oxygen. |
| Heart Attack / Cardiac Arrest | When the heart stops pumping blood effectively, it often leads to the cessation of breathing. |
| Electric Shock | High-voltage electricity can disrupt the heart’s rhythm and affect the brain’s breathing center. |
| Poisoning (e.g., carbon monoxide) | Toxic substances can interfere with the central nervous system’s ability to control breathing. |
| Brain Injury (e.g., trauma or stroke) | Damage to the parts of the brain that regulate respiration can impair or stop breathing. |
| Severe Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis) | The airway can swell and close, physically obstructing the path of air to the lungs. |
| Foreign Body Obstruction | An object lodged in the windpipe can completely block the airway, making breathing impossible. |
Understanding these causes highlights the importance of being prepared to administer artificial respiration, which can be done through several different methods.