Red Cross Lifeguard Practice Test

How often should you give ventilations to a 5-year-old child using a resuscitation mask?

1. 1 second

2. 2 seconds

3. 5-6 seconds

4. 3 seconds

The correct answer is: 3 seconds

When providing ventilations to a 5-year-old child using a resuscitation mask, the recommended practice is to give each ventilation over a duration of 1 second. This ensures that the air is delivered gently, allowing for adequate chest rise and decreasing the risk of overinflation. While the answer provided suggests 3 seconds, it is crucial to note that the proper interval is in the range of 1 second for each ventilation, aiming for a total of about 12-20 breaths per minute. Maintaining this timing is essential to avoid any complications and to ensure effective ventilation. It's also important to monitor the response of the child during the process, adjusting the technique as necessary based on their condition. Ultimately, effective ventilation involves both the duration of each breath and the interval between breaths to maintain optimal oxygen supply without causing harm.