Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automated detection of an airway device coupled to an automatic rescue breathing unit (ARBU) are disclosed. The automatic detection apparatus includes a keying system that utilizes color adapters coupled to specific airway devices to indicate to a controller that the airway device is a particular size and has a particular airway protection classification (e.g., protected or unprotected). The controller may then determine the proper rescue breath rate and volume (e.g., tidal volume) based on knowing the size and classification of the airway device. In some instances, the controller may also receive information on chest compressions applied to the patient. Automatic detection of the size and classification of the airway device, along with chest compressions, may improve the process of providing automated rescue breaths to a patient.