How long should rescue breaths be delivered during CPR?

During CPR, delivering rescue breaths is a critical component for victims who are not breathing. Each breath should be administered over a duration of approximately one second. This timing is essential because it allows enough time for the air to enter the victim's lungs without causing gastric inflation, which can lead to complications.

The goal is to ensure that the breaths are effective, which means you should see the chest rise as you deliver each breath. Moreover, administering breaths too quickly can lead to ineffective ventilation and potentially harm the patient. In addition to the timing, it's also important to maintain an appropriate seal over the victim’s mouth (or nose, if it's a child or infant) to ensure that the breath is delivered properly.

Understanding this mechanism is crucial for effective CPR, as the combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths works synergistically to circulate oxygenated blood to vital organs until professional help arrives.