Use the mouth‑to‑mouth rescue breathing technique with a proper head‑tilt/chin‑lift and nose pinch when giving breaths to an adult in CPR, unless you have a barrier mask. This means opening the airway, sealing your mouth over theirs (or a mask), and giving gentle 1‑second breaths just enough to make the chest rise.

Quick Scoop

When wondering “which technique should you use when giving breaths to an adult?” , the answer in current first‑aid and CPR guidance is:

  • Use mouth‑to‑mouth rescue breathing, ideally with a CPR barrier mask if available.
  • Combine it with chest compressions in a 30 compressions : 2 breaths ratio if you are trained in full CPR.
  • If you are not trained or are uncomfortable giving breaths, many guidelines say to do hands‑only CPR (compressions only) until help arrives.

If this is an actual emergency: call your local emergency number immediately and follow dispatcher instructions.

Step‑by‑step breathing technique

For an unresponsive, not‑breathing adult:

  1. Open the airway with the head‑tilt, chin‑lift
    • Place one hand on the forehead and gently tilt the head back.
    • Use two fingers under the bony part of the chin to lift it upward.
  1. Seal the airway for breaths
    • Pinch the soft part of the nose closed with your thumb and index finger.
    • Open the mouth and place your lips over the person’s mouth, or over a CPR face shield/mask, creating a tight seal so air does not leak.
  1. Give effective rescue breaths
    • Take a normal breath (not a huge one) and blow into the mouth for about 1 second, just until you see the chest rise.
    • Let the chest fall, then give a second 1‑second breath, again watching for visible chest rise.
  1. Combine with compressions
    • After 2 breaths, return to 30 chest compressions in the center of the chest at 100–120 per minute, at least 2 inches deep.

Key tips and safety points

  • Focus on a gentle breath: enough to make the chest rise, not “forceful blowing,” to reduce the risk of air going into the stomach and causing vomiting.
  • If the chest does not rise, reposition the head (repeat head‑tilt, chin‑lift) and try again; this often means the airway is still partially blocked.
  • If you have a CPR mask with a one‑way valve, use it every time for hygiene and safety, following the same head‑tilt/chin‑lift and 1‑second breath technique.

If you’re checking this for learning or exams

Many first‑aid courses and test questions phrase it almost exactly as “Which technique should you use when giving breaths to an adult?” and expect you to recall:

  • Technique: mouth‑to‑mouth (or mouth‑to‑mask) rescue breaths
  • Airway: head‑tilt, chin‑lift
  • Nose: pinch the nose closed
  • Breath: 1 second per breath, just enough for chest rise, 2 breaths after 30 compressions

Learning from an accredited in‑person or blended CPR course in 2026 will give practical practice with mannequins and the most up‑to‑date guidelines.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.