What effect do rescue breaths have on the body during CPR?

Rescue breaths during CPR serve a critical function in oxygenating the lungs and, by extension, the blood. When rescue breaths are administered, they introduce air into the lungs, which creates positive pressure. This positive pressure facilitates the delivery of oxygen directly into the alveoli, allowing for gas exchange to occur, even in a non-beating heart.

By maintaining adequate oxygen levels in the blood, rescue breaths can support vital organs, including the brain, during cardiac arrest scenarios. This is essential as the primary goal of CPR is to restore a reasonable level of blood circulation and oxygenation until advanced medical help can take over. Thus, the creation of positive pressure plays a pivotal role in maximizing the effectiveness of CPR.