How long should each rescue breath last?

How long should each rescue breath last?

• A. 1 second
• B. 0.5 seconds
• C. 2 seconds
• D. 3 seconds

Answer: (A)

Rescue breaths should be delivered in about one second each. This timing fills the lungs enough to cause visible chest rise without over-ventilating. A one-second breath minimizes the risk of gastric inflation and avoids interrupting chest compressions for too long. If the chest doesn’t rise, adjust the airway and reseal, then try again. Breaths shorter than one second won’t provide enough air, while breaths lasting two or more seconds waste time and can disrupt the CPR rhythm.

Rescue breaths should be delivered in about one second each. This timing fills the lungs enough to cause visible chest rise without over-ventilating. A one-second breath minimizes the risk of gastric inflation and avoids interrupting chest compressions for too long. If the chest doesn’t rise, adjust the airway and reseal, then try again. Breaths shorter than one second won’t provide enough air, while breaths lasting two or more seconds waste time and can disrupt the CPR rhythm.