Child BVM ventilation rate per minute: approximately how many breaths per minute?

• A. 12-20 breaths per minute
• B. 6-8 breaths per minute
• C. 22-30 breaths per minute
• D. 8-12 breaths per minute

Answer: (A)

In pediatric airway care, bag-valve-mask ventilation should be paced to match the child’s lighter but faster metabolism, so you deliver about 12 to 20 breaths per minute. This works out to a breath about every 3 to 5 seconds, which keeps ventilation adequate without causing the problems that come with over-ventilating. Each breath should be delivered smoothly over about a second with visible chest rise, and you adjust to the child’s condition while avoiding excessive tidal volumes. Speeds far below this rate risk hypoventilation; speeds well above this rate can cause hyperventilation, increased intrathoracic pressure, and reduced venous return.