Which of the following is the primary indication for performing mouth-to-mouth rescue breaths during first aid?

• A. The person is not breathing but has a pulse.
• B. The person is coughing forcefully.
• C. The person is breathing normally.
• D. The person is conscious and talking.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the purpose of mouth-to-mouth rescue breaths: It is a first aid technique used to provide oxygen to a person who is not breathing adequately or at all.
2. Understand the physiological need: If a person is not breathing but has a pulse, their heart is still pumping blood, but oxygen is not being delivered to the body. Rescue breaths can help supply oxygen to vital organs.
3. Evaluate the options: If the person is coughing forcefully, breathing normally, or conscious and talking, they are capable of maintaining their own oxygen levels and do not require rescue breaths.
4. Focus on the correct scenario: Mouth-to-mouth rescue breaths are indicated when the person is not breathing but still has a pulse, as this ensures oxygen delivery while the heart continues to circulate blood.
5. Conclude: The correct answer is the scenario where the person is not breathing but has a pulse, as this is the primary indication for performing mouth-to-mouth rescue breaths.