When delivering rescue breaths, how long should each breath last?

When delivering rescue breaths, each breath should last about 1 second. This timing allows the recipient to receive adequate air without risking over-inflation of the lungs, which could lead to complications such as gastric inflation or barotrauma. The goal is to ensure that the breaths are effective in providing the necessary oxygen to the individual while also maintaining a steady and controlled delivery. Delivering a breath over the course of 1 second helps establish a rhythm and ensures that the breaths are effective, maximizing the chances of resuscitation while minimizing potential harm.

Other options may either be too short or too long, potentially leading to ineffective ventilation or complications. Keeping the breath duration to around 1 second strikes a balance between providing sufficient volume and preventing excessive pressure in the lungs.