First Aid Response

When we breathe, air is drawn into our lungs, lungs take oxygen from the air, and we breathe out carbon dioxide. If that doesn't happen, we die. If we've opened the victim's airway and there's still no air moving in and out of the lungs, we need to get things started by pumping some air in there ourselves. It's called rescue breathing, and the very best way to learn it is in a class.

If an emergency happens before you get to class, hold the victim's airway open, pinch the person's nose closed, and seal your mask over his or her mouth. Blow in one full breath, wait until his or her chest falls back down, and blow in a second full breath. (You can seal your mouth over his or her mouth, but it's best to use a mask.) Watch the victim's chest to make sure it moves when you blow in air. If it doesn't, the airway still isn't open. Tilt the person's head a little more, and try again. If that doesn't work, there is probably something blocking the airway, and it's not the person's tongue. You'll have to clear the airway.

Taking a CPR class is the best way of making sure you'll know what to do and how to do it. Go to the phone book. Look up the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. Call them. Tell them you want to sign up for a CPR class. Do it now. We'll wait....