What is crucial when administering rescue breaths?

When administering rescue breaths, it is essential to keep the head tilted back slightly to open the airway effectively. This position, known as the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver, ensures that the airway is unobstructed, enabling the breath to travel into the lungs without hindrance. Proper airway management is foundational because if the airway is blocked or not adequately opened, the breaths delivered may not reach the victim's lungs, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the resuscitation effort.

Proper positioning allows for optimal oxygenation of the victim, which is crucial in life-threatening situations. When the airway is clear, rescue breaths can more effectively provide the oxygen that the heart and brain desperately need, increasing the chances of survival until further medical help arrives.