How long should each rescue breath last?

Each rescue breath should last about 1 second. This duration is essential to ensure that the breath is delivered at a rate that allows for proper inflation of the lungs without causing excessive pressure or injury. A 1-second duration strikes a balance between providing enough air to facilitate oxygen exchange and allowing the chest to rise visibly as the breath is given.

If breaths are too short, they may not provide sufficient air for effective ventilation. Conversely, if they are too long, the individual may not receive adequate oxygen, and the risk of barotrauma, or damage to the lungs, increases. Keeping the duration to about 1 second also helps maintain a steady rhythm during the resuscitation process, which can be crucial when coordinating rescue breaths with chest compressions in a CPR scenario.