How long should each rescue breath last when using a pocket mask?

How long should each rescue breath last when using a pocket mask?

• A. One second
• B. Two seconds
• C. Half a second
• D. Three seconds

Answer: (A)

One second per rescue breath. This duration is long enough to inflate the lungs and produce a visible chest rise, which confirms effective ventilation, but not so long that air goes into the stomach or disrupts the CPR rhythm. Breaths lasting longer (two or three seconds) increase the risk of gastric inflation and vomiting and can pause chest compressions too long. Breaths that are too short (half a second) may not ventilate adequately. In adults, aim for about one breath every 5–6 seconds during CPR, giving one-second breaths to maintain a steady, effective pace with chest compressions.

One second per rescue breath. This duration is long enough to inflate the lungs and produce a visible chest rise, which confirms effective ventilation, but not so long that air goes into the stomach or disrupts the CPR rhythm. Breaths lasting longer (two or three seconds) increase the risk of gastric inflation and vomiting and can pause chest compressions too long. Breaths that are too short (half a second) may not ventilate adequately. In adults, aim for about one breath every 5–6 seconds during CPR, giving one-second breaths to maintain a steady, effective pace with chest compressions.