When providing breaths to an adult who has a pulse but is not breathing normally, what is the recommended interval in seconds between breaths?

• A. 5 seconds
• B. 6 seconds
• C. 8 seconds
• D. 10 seconds

Answer: (B)

When an adult has a pulse but isn’t breathing normally, give rescue breaths at a steady pace rather than fast or slow. The standard interval is about five to six seconds between breaths, which equals roughly 10–12 breaths per minute. Six seconds is commonly used because it reliably provides about 10 breaths per minute—adequate ventilation without risking over-ventilation or delaying chest compressions if they’re needed. A faster pace (about five seconds) would be around 12 breaths per minute, which is still within the range but not the typical single-value convention here, while slower intervals (eight or ten seconds) would deliver too few breaths and reduce oxygen delivery.