Rescue Breathing

In many cases, cardiac arrest is preceded by respiratory arrest. Therefore, it is important to be able to recognize respiratory issues in order to take steps to prevent cardiac arrest.

When a person of any age has a pulse but is not breathing (or is not breathing well), immediately open the airway using the head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver and begin rescue breathing. See Table2 for details on rescue breathing.

AGE GROUPHOW OFTENBREATHS PER MINUTEDURATIONEVALUATION
AdultEvery 6 seconds10 to 12 breaths per minuteEach breath should last one secondCheck for chest rise and breathing;
Check pulse and begin CPR if necessary
Child/InfantOne rescuer: Every 6 seconds
Two rescuers: Every 2 to 3 seconds
One rescuer: 10 to 12 breaths per minute
Two rescuers: 20 to 30 breaths per minute
Table 2