How should a rescue breath be given to small children?

When providing rescue breaths to small children, administering the breath over 1 second is the recommended practice. This timeframe allows the breath to be delivered slowly enough to avoid causing air to enter the stomach, which can lead to complications such as vomiting or aspiration. Additionally, a controlled pace helps to ensure that the child receives adequate oxygen while minimizing the risk of barotrauma, where excess pressure can damage the lungs.

In pediatric resuscitation, the goal is to provide sufficient ventilation without overwhelming the child's respiratory system. Delivering a single breath over 1 second allows for optimal gas exchange and is consistent with guidelines that emphasize the importance of gentle and effective breaths tailored to pediatric patients' needs.