In rescue breathing, how can you verify air is entering the victim's lungs?

• A. Watch the chest rise and fall
• B. Listen for the rushing sound of air filling the lungs
• C. Blow hard to the point of resistance
• D. Pinch the victim's nose and check for air bubbles

Answer: (A)

During rescue breathing, you verify air entering the lungs by watching the chest as you deliver each breath. A visible rise in the chest shows that air is moving into the lungs and circulating. This direct sign is more reliable than sounds or other cues and confirms effective ventilation.

Listening for a rushing sound isn’t dependable because airflow can be quiet or muffled by the environment. Blowing hard to the point of resistance isn’t advised because it can overinflate the lungs or push air into the stomach. Pinching the nose helps create a seal for mouth-to-mouth breaths, but you don’t rely on air bubbles to tell you ventilation is occurring—the chest rise is the correct cue to look for. If you don’t see rise, reposition the head, ensure a proper seal, check for an airway obstruction, and re-deliver the breath until you observe chest rise.