North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

How long should you ventilate an infant or child during artificial ventilation?

1. 2 seconds

2. 3.5 seconds

3. 4 seconds

4. 6 seconds

The correct answer is: 3.5 seconds

The correct duration for ventilating an infant or child during artificial ventilation is guided by the need for effective oxygen exchange while ensuring not to over-inflate the lungs. When providing artificial ventilation, especially in pediatric patients, the goal is to mimic the natural breathing rate and tidal volume appropriate for their age and size. Ventilating for approximately 3.5 seconds allows sufficient time to deliver a breath that fills the lungs adequately without causing potential barotrauma or discomfort. This duration also considers the anatomical and physiological differences in infants and children compared to adults, who typically require longer and more powerful breaths for effective ventilation. In practice, each breath should also be assessed for chest rise to confirm adequacy, and not just timed strictly to avoid any potential complications from overly aggressive techniques. It is important to approach ventilation with caution, focusing on ensuring that the breaths administered are not too rapid or forceful. Therefore, while the efficient delivery of breaths is critical, the recommended interval reflects a balanced approach to pediatric artificial ventilation.