What is the appropriate rate for delivering rescue breaths to a non-breathing adult?

In the context of providing rescue breaths to a non-breathing adult, the appropriate rate is 12 breaths per minute. This rate allows for a balance between delivering adequate ventilation and preventing the risk of hyperventilation, which can occur if breaths are delivered too quickly.

Delivering rescue breaths at this rate ensures that the adult patient receives enough oxygen to support vital functions while minimizing the chances of complications like gastric inflation or decreased effectiveness of the breaths due to rapid delivery. It is also compatible with the standard guidelines provided by major resuscitation organizations, which emphasize the importance of delivering breaths at a controlled and effective pace to optimize patient outcomes. This is crucial in emergency situations where effective airway management is essential for patient survival.