What must you do before giving rescue breaths?

Before providing rescue breaths, it is essential to ensure that the airway is open and clear. This step is critical because if the airway is obstructed, the breaths will not be effective, and the person will not receive the vital oxygen they need. Ensuring the airway is clear involves positioning the victim appropriately, often using the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver, which helps open the airway by moving the tongue away from the back of the throat.

Recognizing the importance of airway management is crucial in successful resuscitation efforts, as proper ventilation cannot occur if the airway is blocked or compromised.