How to Measure Human Respiration

The average human breathes 25 times per minute while at rest. This number will go up significantly after exercise, or even just while walking around the house. Human respiration is controlled by the same part of the brain that controls heart rate. The brain controls breathing so we do not have to think about when to take a breath. When under the weather, or just not feeling "right," the human respiration rate will change. Being able to measure a person's respiration rate is essential in basic CPR training.

Things You'll Need

• Watch with a second hand

Instructions

1. Locate an area around the subject where the chest rises and falls. It is important that the subject not know the purpose of being watched. Just knowing that someone is measuring the person's respiration will change the breathing pattern.

2. Begin counting the respirations of the person when the second hand reaches the 12 position on the watch. It is easier to count the rises of the chest than the falls.

3. Count the rises of the chest for 30 seconds. This will give half of the person's respiration rate.

4. Multiply the 30-second count by two. This will give the respiration rate for one minute.

Tips & Warnings

• The respiration rate can be taken with blood pressure.

References

• Lillian Rippetoe, Retired Registered Nurse; Baltimore, MD

Resources

• University of Virginia Health System: Vital Signs