The value of mouth-to-mouth ventilation is currently discussed because of a widespread fear of transmission of infectious diseases.An expert committee of the American Heart Association even considered to recommend chest compressions.In paralyzed volunteers, however, ventilation induced by chest compressions was not able to provide a sufficient gas exchange.Laboratory investigations studying ventilation during CPR showed controversial results.Animal models that prevented gasping during cardiac arrest favored ventilation during CPR, whereas gasping animals seemed to be satisfactorily ventilated with chest compressions alone. The question whether spontaneous gasping after a cardiac arrest in humans may be sufficient for oxygenation and carbon dioxide elimination remains unanswered at this point in time.Therefore, mouth-to-mouth ventilation remains the therapy of choice during basic life.If a rescuer chooses to not perform mouth-to-mouth ventilation, at least chest compressions should be administered.The value of cricoid pressure during ventilation with an unprotected airway has to be emphasized to all healthcare professionals to avoid disastrous stomach inflation. If intubation can not be performed right away, the airway may be secured with the laryngeal mask airway, combitube, larynx tube, or intubating laryngeal mask airway. Rapid intubation and ventilation with oxygen remains the state-of-the-art therapy during CPR.