What is included in the observational criteria to note about breathing?

Observational criteria for assessing breathing focus on specific characteristics that indicate the efficiency and quality of a person's respiration. The correct answer highlights key parameters such as rate, quality, and tidal volume.

• Rate refers to how many breaths a patient takes per minute, which can reveal both distress and the body's response to various stimuli, including medical conditions.

• Quality encompasses the effort of breathing, describing whether it is labored, relaxed, or noisy, and this can indicate underlying health issues.

• Tidal volume is the amount of air that is inhaled or exhaled in a single breath, which can help in assessing the adequacy of a person’s ventilation.

These three aspects are essential for EMTs as they gauge both oxygen intake and carbon dioxide elimination, playing a critical role in determining a patient’s respiratory distress and overall stability.