What is the most common method for providing rescue breathing?

The head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver is the most common method for providing rescue breathing because it effectively opens the airway, allowing for better ventilation. When someone is unresponsive and requires rescue breaths, this technique is pivotal because it positions the head in a way that reduces the chances of obstruction from the tongue or other tissues in the throat. By tilting the head back and lifting the chin upwards, the airway is straightened, facilitating airflow into the lungs when breaths are administered.

While other techniques such as the jaw thrust maneuver are useful in specific scenarios—primarily when a spinal injury is suspected—the head-tilt, chin-lift is more broadly applicable and is taught as a fundamental skill in CPR and rescue breathing practices. The manual breathing method refers to active, hands-on assistance to provide breaths, but this might not specify the airway positioning that is crucial during rescue breathing. Back blows are generally used in choking situations, which is not applicable for providing rescue breaths. Therefore, the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver remains the most recognized and effective way to ensure an unobstructed airway during rescue breathing.