If a child or infant rescue breath does not go in, what should you do first?

• A. Re-position the head and breathe again
• B. Stop and wait for a medical professional
• C. Check for pulse for 20 seconds
• D. Deliver a second breath immediately without repositioning

Answer: (A)

Opening the airway is the first thing to do when a rescue breath doesn’t go in. The air may not enter because the airway is blocked or the head and neck aren’t positioned to keep the airway open. Re-position the head and chin to open the airway, then try the breath again. For infants, use a neutral head position with a gentle chin lift and make a good seal around the mouth and nose. After re-positioning, give the breath again for about one second and watch for the chest to rise. If it still doesn’t go in, check for any visible obstruction and remove it if possible, then attempt again. If breaths continue to fail, proceed with the next CPR steps as instructed.