What is the first step in Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation?

In the context of Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation, the first step involves clearing the airway. This is crucial because an unobstructed airway is necessary to allow air to reach the lungs during the rescue breaths. If the airway is blocked by an object or the tongue, rescue breaths will not be effective, as the air cannot flow into the lungs.

Clearing the airway typically involves positioning the victim correctly, often using the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver. This technique opens the airway by lifting the chin and tilting the head back, which helps to ensure that there are no obstructions. Once the airway is clear, the rescuer can then proceed to check for breathing and subsequently offer assistance through rescue breaths and chest compressions as needed.

This step is fundamental to effective resuscitation, as it sets the stage for all subsequent actions taken to revive someone who is not breathing or who has suffered a cardiac arrest.