How long should you perform rescue breaths during CPR?

Rescue breaths during CPR should be administered for about one second each. This duration is crucial because it allows sufficient time for the chest to rise and fall, indicating that air is being effectively delivered to the lungs. Properly timed breaths help to avoid hyperventilation and ensure that the victim is receiving the needed oxygen without causing additional complications.

The technique also emphasizes a rhythmic pattern where rescue breaths are typically given in conjunction with compressions, often in a ratio such as 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths. This balance between breaths and compressions supports optimal blood circulation and oxygenation during resuscitation efforts. In this context, one second for each breath allows the rescuer to maintain a steady pace during the process and react effectively to the victim's condition.