give (one) the kiss of life

To administer artificial respiration, that is, the blowing into the mouth of a person who has stopped breathing so as to force air in and out of their lungs. I was a lifeguard at the local pool for five years, but I've only had to give one person the kiss of life. Thank goodness that man was able to pull our daughter from the pool and give her the kiss of life! Of course I don't want to have to give our baby the kiss of life, but I want to know how to do it. I last learned CPR in high school!