Rescue Breathing
Rescue Breathing
A seriously ill child is in respiratory arrest if the patient is apneic but has a detectable pulse or other cardiac activity. Rescue breathing is necessary for the management of respiratory arrest. Generally, the PALS provider must give 20–30 breaths per minute (about one breath every 2–3 seconds).
Key Takeaway
When providing rescue breathing to a child with a pulse, give 20–30 breaths per minute (one every 2–3 seconds).
Each breath is delivered over 1 second with enough pressure to see visible chest rise. The patient should be reassessed every 2 minutes for any improvement or deterioration. Rescue breathing or CPR should be interrupted for < 10 seconds during the simultaneous assessment of breathing and pulse. High-quality CPR with chest compressions is initiated if a pulse is not detected. The rescuer should request additional help and an AED or defibrillator.