Why is rescue breathing crucial during drowning scenarios?

Rescue breathing is essential during drowning scenarios because it directly addresses the victim's need for oxygen. When someone drowns, their airways can become obstructed by water, leading to a lack of oxygen in the lungs and ultimately the bloodstream. Performing rescue breathing effectively introduces oxygen into the victim's lungs, which can then be absorbed into the bloodstream, reviving vital organ function and improving the chances of survival.

In this context, simply providing oxygen to the rescuer, calming the victim, or influencing the heart rate may not address the immediate crisis of oxygen deprivation caused by drowning. The primary goal of rescue breathing is to ensure that the victim receives sufficient oxygen to prevent irreversible damage and to assist in restoring normal respiratory function as soon as possible.