How many initial rescue breaths are given to a child before continuing with 30:2 cycles?

• A. 2
• B. 10
• C. 1
• D. 5 initial rescue breaths

Answer: (D)

In children, breathing problems are a common trigger for arrest, so ventilation takes priority. When you first assess a child who isn’t breathing, you start by delivering breaths to restore oxygenation. Five initial rescue breaths are given, each lasting about one second and aimed to make the chest rise with each breath. After those five breaths, you switch to chest compressions with cycles of 30 compressions to 2 breaths (30:2) and continue until help arrives or the child shows signs of recovery. This approach targets improving oxygen delivery before relying on circulation, which is why five initial breaths is the recommended starting step.