Although rescue breaths are a very helpful component of CPR, research has shown that it is not an essential part of performing CPR. It is believed that a patient’s blood may have enough residual oxygen in it to keep organs and tissues alive without you having to perform rescue breaths.

A new technique known as Hands only CPR has been advocated by various organisations including the British Heart Foundation and American Heart Association. The idea is to drop rescue breaths completely in favour of continuos chest compressions until emergency medical assistance arrives.