How can you tell if the breaths are effective during CPR?

The presence of visible chest rise with each breath is a key indicator that the breaths delivered during CPR are effective. When performing rescue breaths, it's essential to ensure that air is entering the lungs and causing the chest to rise, which reflects that the ventilation is being successful. This visible rise indicates that the air is indeed reaching the lungs, aiding in the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

While other indicators may suggest changes in the victim's condition, such as regaining consciousness or stabilization of heart rate, they are not immediate measures of breath effectiveness during CPR. Sound from the breaths may not always be indicative of adequate ventilation, nor is it a reliable assessment for determining the success of rescue breaths. Therefore, the visible rise of the chest serves as a clear and direct sign that the breaths you are providing are being effective in supporting the victim's breathing needs during a critical situation.