Proper administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and rescue breathing are essential skills taught in every lifesaving course. Since 2000, when the use of breathing barriers became recommended, proper use of such protective devices has become an integral part of most CPR courses. A breathing barrier is defined as a protective device that is placed between a rescuer’s mouth and the victim’s mouth that will prevent the victim’s saliva or other body fluids from coming in contact with the rescuer’s face. To date, no research has investigated the effects of training to use breathing barriers on the likelihood of giving lifesaving care in an emergency. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to determine the impact of experience with and knowledge of breathing barriers on the willingness of a rescuer to initiate care to a victim in an emergency. Subjects were 287 students in enrolled in First Aid/CPR courses taught by the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or the National Safety Council. Subjects volunteered to complete a 14-item questionnaire developed for the study. When asked what concerns the rescuers had that would make them hesitate to render aid in the event of an emergency, the most common responses were fear of failure (51.1%), fear of disease (42.5%), safety concerns (22.9%) and fear of a lawsuit (17.3%). When asked if they understood what a breathing barrier is, 99% indicated that they did understand, while only 48% reported that they had received formal training regarding the use of breathing barriers. Perhaps the most important findings were with regard to questions about rendering aid with and without the availability of a breathing barrier. When asked if they would initiate CPR to a victim in a grocery store that they did not know, only 63.4% would initiate care if no breathing barrier was available, while 96.5% would initiate care if a breathing barrier was available. In all of the eleven other instances in which the subjects were asked if they would render care with and without a breathing barrier, the subjects indicated in all cases that they would be more likely to initiate care with a breathing barrier available. The results of this study indicate the importance of knowledge and availability of breathing barriers on the likelihood of rendering aid. All students enrolled in First Aid/CPR courses should be taught the proper use of breathing barriers and the importance of having a breathing barrier available in the event of a breathing emergency.Keyword(s): disease prevention, health promotion