3. An Overview of Artificial Respiration Methods
The specific method of artificial respiration used depends on the circumstances of the emergency, the rescuer’s level of training, and the equipment available. The techniques range from simple manual methods to advanced medical procedures.
| Method | Brief Description | Typical User/Situation |
| Mouth-to-Mouth Respiration | The rescuer exhales directly into the person’s mouth to inflate their lungs. | First aiders, laypersons; no equipment needed. |
| Mouth-to-Nose Respiration | The rescuer exhales into the person’s nose while sealing the person’s mouth to prevent air from escaping. This is used when the mouth is severely injured or cannot be opened. | First aiders; an alternative when mouth-to-mouth is not possible. |
| Mouth-to-Mask Respiration | A barrier mask is placed over the person’s mouth and nose, and the rescuer breathes through a one-way valve. | Healthcare professionals, first responders; provides a hygienic barrier. |
| Ambu Bag Ventilation | A self-inflating bag is squeezed by hand to push air into the lungs through a face mask. | Professional health teams; allows for more effective ventilation. |
| Mechanical Ventilator | An advanced medical machine that takes over or assists the breathing process for the person. | Trained medical personnel in a clinical or hospital setting. |
For a first-aider without equipment, mouth-to-mouth is the most common and essential technique to learn.