What is the recommended rescue breathing rate for both children and infants?

The recommended rescue breathing rate for both children and infants is every 3 seconds. This rate is established to ensure that adequate oxygen is delivered to the patient while minimizing the risk of over-inflating the lungs. For children and infants, who have smaller lung capacities compared to adults, careful attention to the timing and volume of breaths is essential. The goal is to provide sufficient breaths that are effective without causing harm. This rate strikes a balance between being fast enough to provide life-saving oxygen and slow enough to avoid complications like barotrauma.

In contrast, options that suggest more frequent or less frequent breathing intervals do not align with the established guidances for effective rescue breathing techniques. Understanding the rationale behind this specific rate is vital for providing proper care in emergency situations.