---
title: "Artificial Respiration | First Aid Glossary"
description: "Manual method to restore breathing in individuals who have stopped breathing. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely."
canonical: "https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/artificial-respiration"
---

# Artificial Respiration

[Resources](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources) › [Glossary](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary)

## What is Artificial Respiration?

Artificial respiration, also known as rescue breathing, is a technique used to assist or stimulate breathing in a casualty who is not breathing or is breathing inadequately. This is part of CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and involves blowing air into the casualty's lungs.

Artificial respiration, also known as rescue breathing, is a critical procedure used to manually assist or stimulate breathing in a person who is not breathing or not breathing adequately. Techniques include mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and using a bag-valve mask to deliver breaths. When performing artificial respiration, ensure the airway is open using the head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver, seal your mouth over the casualtys mouth, and blow air into their lungs until the chest rises.

It is an essential component of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which also includes chest compressions. Continue rescue breaths until professional help arrives or the casualty starts breathing normally .

## Steps for Artificial Respiration

1. Open the airway using the head-tilt, chin-lift manoeuvre
2. Pinch the casualty’s nose shut and seal your mouth over theirs
3. Give two breaths, watching for the chest to rise
4. Continue with chest compressions if necessary

> Technique to provide breaths to a person who is not breathing.

## Related video: Start CPR - Rescue Breaths - HLTAID009 Express

[Watch on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqD2aBHOlKs)

## Learn this hands-on

A nationally accredited first aid course covers this and much more. [Find a course and check live session availability](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/#find-course).

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