CPR Rescue Breathing Rate for Adults: What You Need to Know

When performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on adults, there is no strict requirement for the ventilation rate. Generally, once an advanced airway has been established, rescuers should aim for around 10 breaths per minute — which equates to one breath every six seconds. It's important to note that before delivering a rescue breath, the rescuer should take a normal breath rather than a deep one. Whether using mouth-to-mouth, mouth-to-mask, bag-valve-mask, or another advanced airway device, each breath should last at least one second and result in visible chest rise.

Proper Technique for Rescue Breathing

If the first rescue breath does not cause the chest to rise, the rescuer should reattempt airway opening using the head-tilt chin-lift maneuver and then deliver a second breath. Ensuring proper airway positioning is crucial for effective ventilation. Rescuers should avoid over-ventilation, as it can lead to complications such as gastric inflation or decreased cardiac output.

Maintaining CPR Rhythm with Advanced Airway

Once an advanced airway is in place, ventilations can be given at a steady rate of 10 breaths per minute. Unlike in basic CPR, where breaths are typically synchronized with chest compressions, ventilation can be delivered independently in this scenario. In a two-rescuer situation, chest compressions do not need to be paused during ventilation, allowing for continuous and more effective CPR.