Ace the 2026 BLS Hospital Corpsman Exam - Your Lifesaving Skills Start Here!

Rescue breaths should not be given when the victim has a severe airway obstruction, as this condition prevents air from moving properly in and out of the lungs. In cases of severe airway obstruction, the person cannot breathe effectively due to a blockage in their airway. Attempting to provide rescue breaths could worsen the situation, as the breaths will not be able to enter the lungs, and could also increase the risk of further complications, including the potential for inhalation of the foreign object causing the obstruction.

Recognizing the signs of a severe airway obstruction—such as the inability to speak, cough, or breathe—is crucial for a responder. In such situations, the priority shifts to relieving the obstruction using appropriate techniques such as back blows or abdominal thrusts, rather than attempting rescue breaths. This approach aligns with the principles of Basic Life Support, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining airway patency before providing ventilations.