What is the proper breathing rate for rescue breathing in adults?

The proper breathing rate for rescue breathing in adults is characterized by delivering sufficient breaths to provide adequate oxygenation while minimizing the risk of hyperventilation.

The guideline of 1 breath every 5-6 seconds strikes an effective balance. This rate ensures that the breaths are spaced out enough to allow for proper chest rise and fall, signifying effective ventilation, while also preventing the patient from undergoing rapid respiratory alterations that could lead to complications.

Other rates, such as every 3-5 seconds, may deliver too many breaths too quickly, risking hyperventilation and potential adverse effects, such as decreased cardiac output. The choice of 6-8 seconds could be too infrequent to maintain adequate oxygen levels, particularly in an emergency scenario, as time is critical for the patient's survival. Thus, the 5-6 seconds interval aligns with the recommended practices to ensure that rescue breathing is most effective for adults in need of assistance.