| There is no scientific evidence that demonstrates the effectiveness of rescue breaths in an unconscious choking victim. However, chest thrusts have been shown effective. The primary treatment goal when the airway is obstructed is to use chest compressions to dislodge the obstruction. At that point ventilations are probably ineffective. However, once the obstruction is relieved and the air passage cleared, effective rescue breaths can be given and if the foreign body is seen, it can be removed. Using the combinatiton of compressions and ventilations in CPR provides a simple and convenient method of relieving the obstruction. So, although the breaths may be ineffective to start, the hope is that at some point during the care being provided, the airway opens and the breaths become beneficial. |