What is respiratory rate and what are the normal breathing rates for infants, children, and adults?

Respiratory rate is the number of breaths a person takes per minute, an important vital sign used to assess breathing and overall health. It is a key indicator in first aid and emergency care because changes in respiratory rate can signal respiratory distress, shock, illness, or injury.

Normal resting respiratory rates vary with age:

• Infants (0–12 months): 30–60 breaths per minute
• Children (1–10 years): 20–30 breaths per minute
• Adults (including older children over 10 years): 12–20 breaths per minute

A faster-than-normal respiratory rate (tachypnoea) can indicate fever, pain, shock, or breathing difficulty, while a slower-than-normal rate (bradypnoea) may suggest head injury, overdose, or a severe medical emergency.

To measure respiratory rate in first aid, watch the chest or abdomen rise and fall and count one breath for each full cycle of inhalation and exhalation. Count for 30 seconds and multiply by two to calculate breaths per minute. Any abnormal rate, noisy breathing, or signs of breathing distress should prompt urgent medical attention, and if the person becomes unresponsive or stops breathing, begin CPR and call 000 immediately.

Respiratory rate measures how many breaths a person takes per minute.

Measuring respiratory rate:

• Count breaths by watching the chest rise and fall.

• Measure for 30 seconds and multiply by two for breaths per minute.

• Compare to normal age ranges.

• Monitor for signs of abnormal breathing, such as gasping or rapid breathing.

• Call 000 if breathing is severely abnormal or the person becomes unresponsive.

Takeaway to Remember

Respiratory rate is the number of breaths a person takes per minute. Normal rates vary by age, with infants breathing faster than children and adults.