When should rescue breaths be provided in a CPR situation?

Rescue breaths should be provided when the patient is unresponsive and not breathing, as this is a critical indicator that the individual requires immediate intervention to sustain life. In such situations, administering rescue breaths can help ensure that oxygen is delivered to the lungs and, subsequently, to the brain and other vital organs. This intervention is particularly important because a lack of breathing leads to the depletion of oxygen in the body, which can result in irreversible damage or death if not addressed quickly.

In cases where the person is breathing normally, rescue breaths are not needed since the individual is already receiving adequate oxygen. Similarly, while it is essential to adjust the approach for children or infants, the necessity for rescue breaths is primarily tied to the unresponsiveness and absence of normal breathing in any age group. Rescue breaths are not performed simply while waiting for medical professionals, as their effectiveness is contingent upon the immediate actions taken during an actual CPR scenario to stabilize the patient.