EMT Basic Certification Complete Practice Exam 2026

Rescue breaths should be administered at a rate of 10-12 breaths per minute to an unresponsive patient who still has a pulse but is not breathing adequately on their own. This rate allows for effective ventilation while minimizing the risk of hyperventilation, which can lead to decreased cardiac output and potential complications.

Administering breaths every 5 seconds would result in a much higher rate of ventilation, approximately 12 breaths per minute, which could be excessive and lead to problems such as hyperinflation of the lungs. The frequency of “every minute” is too infrequent for a patient needing assistance with breathing, as it would allow for critical hypoxia. Similarly, administering breaths "as needed based on oxygen levels" lacks the structure and guideline that is essential in an emergency, potentially leading to delays in critical interventions. Overall, the recommendation of 10-12 breaths per minute is based on established guidelines designed to effectively support the patient's respiratory needs without overwhelming their respiratory system.