How long should rescue breaths be delivered during CPR?

Rescue breaths during CPR should be delivered at a rate of about one breath every second. This timing allows for adequate inflation of the lungs without causing excessive pressure, which could lead to complications such as gastric inflation or interrupting the flow of chest compressions. When delivering the breaths, it's important to ensure that they are effective—watching for the chest to rise helps confirm that air is entering the lungs properly. This practice is crucial for ventilating the patient effectively, especially if they are not breathing on their own.

The chosen timing of approximately one second per breath aligns with guidelines intended to ensure oxygenation while maintaining the flow of chest compressions. Delivering breaths too quickly could compromise their effectiveness, while taking too long could lead to interruptions in circulation. Therefore, delivering each breath in about one second strikes the right balance for effective CPR.