Quick answer: ventilation/" class="fag-auto-link">Assisted ventilation means helping air move into a person’s lungs when their own breathing is absent or inadequate. In basic first aid, this is most often discussed as rescue breaths within CPR; it is not a reason to delay calling Triple Zero (000) or starting chest compressions for an unresponsive person who is not breathing normally.
What does assisted ventilation mean?
Ventilation is the movement of air in and out of the lungs. Assisted ventilation is a broad term for helping that process when someone cannot breathe effectively on their own. It can refer to rescue breaths given by a trained first aider or to equipment used by trained responders.
How does it relate to CPR?
ANZCOR describes CPR as chest compressions combined with rescue breathing. For a person who is unresponsive and not breathing normally, all rescuers should perform chest compressions. People trained and willing to give rescue breaths are encouraged to do so. Follow the 30 compressions to 2 breaths rhythm used in Australian basic life support.
What should a first aider do?
Check for danger, response and normal breathing, call Triple Zero (000), open the airway and start CPR when indicated. Use an AED as soon as it is available and follow its prompts. If you are not trained or willing to give rescue breaths, provide chest compressions and follow operator instructions rather than delaying the emergency response.
What about masks and bag-valve equipment?
A face shield or resuscitation mask may be used when available. Bag-valve-mask ventilation is specialist equipment that requires training and an effective mask seal; ANZCOR notes that it is an extension to basic life support and is best performed by two trained rescuers. Do not use unfamiliar equipment in a way that interrupts urgent CPR.
When to get urgent help
Absent or abnormal breathing in an unresponsive person is an emergency. Call Triple Zero (000) immediately and begin the CPR response. Gasping is not normal breathing.
Related first aid terms
See Ventilation, Rescue Breaths, CPR and Airway.
How this page is checked
Publisher: F.A.G. Editorial Team
Last reviewed: 9 August 2026
This page is general information, not a substitute for current first aid training or instructions from emergency services.
