YMCA Lifeguard Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The average adult respiratory rate for rescue breathing being 10-12 breaths per minute is based on established guidelines for providing effective ventilation in emergency situations. When performing rescue breathing, the goal is to simulate natural breathing rates while ensuring the adequate exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the victim's lungs.

This rate allows for sufficient time between breaths, enabling the chest to rise and fall, which is critical for ensuring that air is delivered effectively. It also minimizes the risk of over-inflation of the lungs, which can lead to complications. This range balances the necessity for timely rescue breaths while recognizing the biological limits of ventilation.

Understanding this optimal rate is essential for lifeguards and first responders to perform rescue breathing effectively, enhancing the likelihood of survival for individuals who are not breathing adequately on their own.