What is the recommended ratio for adult rescue breathing?

The recommended ratio for adult rescue breathing is one breath every 6 seconds. This rate is established to provide adequate time for the chest to rise and fall between breaths, ensuring that the breaths are effective while minimizing the risk of hyperventilation. At this rate, it allows for a total of about 10 breaths per minute, which is appropriate for an individual who is not breathing but has a pulse.

Normal breathing occurs at a slightly higher frequency, so the 6-second interval offers a balance between sufficient oxygenation and preventing potential complications, such as air being forced into the stomach instead of the lungs. Understanding this rhythm is crucial for anyone providing rescue breathing in an emergency, as it maximizes the possibility of reviving the individual through the careful administration of breaths.