When delivering only rescue breaths to an adult, what is the recommended rate of ventilations?

The recommended rate of delivering rescue breaths to an adult is 5 to 6 seconds per breath. This timing ensures that each breath is given enough duration for effective ventilation while allowing sufficient time for the chest to rise and fall visibly with each breath. This rate also helps maintain adequate oxygenation and prevents overinflation of the lungs, which can occur if breaths are given too rapidly.

In the context of providing rescue breaths, maintaining a systematic rhythm is crucial for the effectiveness of the procedure. Each ventilation should be delivered gently and over a second or so, to avoid forcing air in too quickly, which can result in air entering the stomach rather than the lungs. The goal is to achieve a breath that allows the victim's lungs to expand noticeably and promotes proper gas exchange. Therefore, the 5 to 6 seconds interval is the optimal choice for ensuring that rescue breaths are both effective and safe.