the kiss of life
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. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. I was a lifeguard at the local pool for five years, but I've only had to give the kiss of life to someone once.
kiss of life
1 mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. 2 an action or event that revives a failing enterprise. 2 1997 Anthony Barnett This Time She gave a decrepit institution the kiss of life, when she became its adversary.